First Staged Performance of Dalinda in Cape Town, 2023

The first staged performance of 'Dalinda' took place on September 4, 2023, at the Baxter Theater in Cape Town, presented by Opera UCT, a student company from the University of Cape Town. This opera, composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1838, was rediscovered in Naples in 2019, where its score had been found. The performance featured a cast primarily composed of Black singers and included supertitles in both English and IsiXhosa, reflecting the local culture and audience. Donizetti, known for his prolific output, had originally composed 'Dalinda' after facing censorship issues with his earlier work, 'Lucrezia Borgia.' The opera is set during the Third Crusade in the 12th century and centers around the complex relationships between Muslim leaders and the Christian Crusaders. The narrative explores themes of reunion and conflict, culminating in a dramatic conclusion. The rediscovery of 'Dalinda' is significant not only for its historical context but also for its cultural implications, as it marks a notable moment in the performance of opera in Africa. The director, Jeremy Silver, posed a thought-provoking question to the audience about the opera's premiere taking place in Africa, highlighting the global reach of Donizetti's work. As the performance unfolded, it became clear that while the opera borrows music from 'Lucrezia Borgia,' it also features a substantial amount of new material, showcasing Donizetti's evolving compositional style. This event represents a milestone in the appreciation and performance of lesser-known operatic works in contemporary settings.