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1The production makes little attempt to re-create 1stcentury Rome and instead it is suggested in the setting, which is dominated by a stadium-like tiered bank of plastic chairs, on which different groups of spectators move and sit and the nude Drusila (Caligula’s now dead sister and lover) wanders – a concept that works well, in making these spectators part of the action while at the same time drawing in the audience. In such a context modern day dress is of course de rigueur, with Caligula’s Act 3 drag outfit and Helicon’s toga also entirely in keeping. Ira Levin, who holds the position of invited principal director of the Colón orchestra, was in complete command, providing a fluent and well balanced playing from the augmented orchestra. Peter Coleman-Wright gave a masterly – if obviously older than 30 years – performance as Caligula, effectively conveying the perversity and absurdity of the character. Yvonne Howard was similarly effective as Caesonia, particularly her distracted approach to Caligula’s goings on in the first half. Martin Wölfel’s voice was just right for Helicon and after Jurgita Adamonyte’s Scipio, look forward to seeing her in the completely different role of Idamante later in the year. Good work too from Héctor Guedes (Cherea), Fernando Chalabe (Mucius), Victor Torres (Mereia and Lepidus) and Marisú Pavón (Livia), and from the young actress Lara Tressens (Drusila), as apparition-like as she could be, who didnt take a curtain call.
