UCT singers on Artscape's planks

Nokrismesi Skota from Cape Town Opera Studio appears in the Artscape production of Mozart's Così fan Tutte.

Così fan Tutte, Angelo Gobbato's bold and breezy production of Mozart's timeless operatic comedy of the games men and women play, boasts hot young lovers living the seaboard life of the idle rich - sporting trendy fashions while they cajole and play, do gym and swim, hop and swap partners.

Presented by the UCT Opera School and Cape Town Opera, this contemporary production, of one of opera's most enigmatic works, will be showcased at the Artscape Theatre from November 11-18 in celebration of Mozart's 250th anniversary. Chris Dowdeswell will conduct the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra for performances on November 11, 14, 15 and 18 at 19h45, and November 12 at 15h00. Performances on November 16 and 17 at 19h45 will be to piano accompaniment.

Così fan Tutte (which means "that's what all women do" or "the school for lovers") sets out to demolish false values in affairs of the heart. The romantic story of love tangles and deceptions tells of a harmless game that finally brings the participants to the brink of genuine heartbreak.

The witty satirical look at the nature of human relations concludes that errant lovers need to learn that forgiveness, and not fidelity, is paramount. The critically acclaimed production, which premiered in 2003 in Cape Town, contains sparkling music in keeping with the frivolous nature of the opera.

Michael Mitchell is responsible for the funky set and costume design, and Kobus Rossouw for the lighting. The opera is sung in Italian, with English subtitles.

Principal roles will be played by students and singers of the UCT Opera School and the Cape Town Opera Studio. Gobbato, a professor at UCT's South African College of Music, will give a talk 45 minutes before curtain-up in the Orchestra Rehearsal Room at Artscape. Entrance is with your opera ticket.

Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat at (021) 421 7695. For further information visit www.capetownopera.co.za.