Opera NUOVA and L’UniThéâtre Present La Voix Humaine

Opera NUOVA and L’UniThéâtre partner to present Poulenc’s French language, chamber opera, La Voix Humaine, at La Cite Francophone, in the heart of Edmonton’s historic French district.

La Voix Humaine is a monodramatic opera or a musical monologue. A young woman, referred to only as “Elle” (the French feminine pronoun), has been abandoned by her lover and in the bedroom of her home lies awaiting his call. The story that follows see Elle grow more and more despondent, as the audience becomes immersed in the stinging desperation of Elle’s tragic yearnings.

Over 17 years Opera NUOVA has shared professional opera and musical theatre performances in celebrated venues across the City of Edmonton, including Our Town, Fiddler on the Roof, Trouble in Tahiti, Cosi fan tutte and Rusalka. Additionally, Opera NUOVA presents the NUOVA Opera and Music Theatre Festival, Canada’s largest opera and music theatre festival. Opera NUOVA and L’UniThéâtre have partnered to present this unique and engaging chamber opera to Edmonton audiences. This production marries Opera NUOVA’s reputation as a company that produces exceptional musical talent with L’UniThéâtre’s reputation for extremely engrossing Francophone theatre in the Edmonton community.

La Voix Humaine was written by Francis Poulenc in 1958, based on the play by Jean Cocteau. Poulenc and Cocteau collaborated on the work, with Soprano Denise Duval, mirroring the struggles and tragedies in the lives of both Poulenc and Duval. The work was originally suggested for Maria Callas. This production features Whitney Sloan as Elle and Kim Cousineau on the piano. Jessica Kos-Whicher serves as the alternate Elle (performing February 16 and 19). L’UniThéâtre’s Artistic Director, Brian Dooley, serves as Director and Opera NUOVA’s Artistic and Managing Director, Kim Mattice Wanat, serves as Music Director.

Opera NUOVA and L’UniThéâtre Present La Voix Humaine
February 12-20, 2016 (no show February 14)
La Cite Francophone, 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury EDMONTON T6C 4S8
Tickets $15-$25, available at www.lunitheatre.ca