The most tragic love story in opera arrives in Tenerife this Sunday.
And it’s not a small production either.
The Auditorio de Tenerife raises the curtain on 15 March with a new production of Roméo et Juliette, Charles Gounod’s opera inspired by Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. There will be four performances in total on 15, 17, 19 and 21 March, all starting at 19:30.
For anyone who enjoys a proper night at the theatre, this could be well worth a look.
A Tenerife tenor takes the lead
The production is led by Tenerife tenor Airam Hernández and Navarre soprano Sofía Esparza, who take on the roles of the two famous lovers.
Most people already know the story. Two young people fall in love while their families are busy hating each other. As you’d expect with Shakespeare, it doesn’t end particularly well.
This production, however, looks beyond the classic romance and focuses more on the conflict between generations. Young people trying to escape the resentment and traditions handed down by the adults around them.
It’s a theme that still feels pretty relevant today.
A theatre inside a theatre
Stage director André Heller-Lopes places the action inside a 19th century Parisian theatre, complete with golden balconies and period surroundings.
Juliette’s famous balcony appears on stage partially under restoration. It’s a deliberate image meant to symbolise a past that needs to be reinterpreted by a new generation.
The story itself is set between the 1960s and 70s, reinforcing the idea of younger characters pushing back against rigid traditions and family rivalries.
The visual staging is completed by Renato Theobaldo’s set design, lighting by Gonzalo Córdova, and costumes by Sofia di Nunzio, creating strong contrasts between light and darkness throughout the performance.
A strong cast and the Tenerife Symphony
Alongside Hernández and Esparza, the cast also includes:
- Simón Orfila as Frère Laurent
- Fernando Campero as Mercutio
- Christina Campsall as Stéphano
- Belén Elvira as Gertrude
Musical direction is handled by José Luis Gómez, conducting the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, while the Ópera de Tenerife–Intermezzo Chorus is directed by Miguel Ángel Arqued.
A dance ensemble from the Centro Internacional de Danza Tenerife will also appear in the production, adding another visual layer to the staging.
Involving local students
One particularly nice touch is the involvement of students from three Canary Islands centres who helped construct elements of the stage design:
- IES La Orotava Manuel González Pérez
- IES Mencey Acaymo in Güímar
- CIFP Tony Gallardo
It’s always good to see local students getting involved behind the scenes in productions like this.
Getting tickets
Tickets are available through the Auditorio de Tenerife website, at the box office, or by phone.
The Cabildo is also continuing its Lanzadera Ópera initiative, providing free TITSA bus transport from Adeje and Buenavista to make it easier for people to attend the performances.
Which, if you’ve ever tried to park in Santa Cruz before a big event, might actually be the best part of the deal.
For full details, you can read the original article here:
Roméo et Juliette arrives at the Auditorio de Tenerife 🎭