The Frankston Arts Centre this month presents Master Class - a performance inspired by Maria Callas’ famous 1973 visit to New York’s Juilliard School of Music.
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At the time, Callas’ own career singing on the world’s great stages had drawn to a close, her voice a shadow of its former glory. Four years later, Callas’ death at the age of 51 sealed her legend as a real life tragic heroine.
Featuring three of Melbourne’s most exciting young operatic talents, Master Class sees Callas prod and provoke her students in a searing, funny and touching depiction of a woman who knows what it takes to walk the high wire and the sacrifices required to attain the dream.
Forty years later, Callas’ story as a woman forced to choose between professional power and a personal life remains as relevant as ever.
Having performed leading roles in the Australian premiere productions of Nine, Sunset Boulevard and Love Never Dies, and in films such as Head on and Dreams for Life, Maria Mercedes takes on one of the greatest challenges of her career with her portrayal of Maria Callas.
“Callas is my dream role”, says Mercedes, “and I couldn’t be more thrilled to honour the life of a woman I admire not only for her incredible artistry and passion, but for the daring, honest way she lived her life.”
This production also provides a unique opportunity for a Greek performer to portray one of the most famous and iconic Greek women of all time.
September 24, 8pm, September 25, 1pm. Tickets $48, $45, $30. Bookings: 03 9784 1060 artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au
