Fans of real Spanish culture have the chance to enjoy a traditional form of musical theatre when El Barbero de Sevilla arrives at Teatro del Carmen in Velez-Malaga on Saturday, October 17.
The production by Teatro Lírico Andaluz begins at 8pm, offering an evening of comedy, singing and theatrical misunderstandings in a distinctly Spanish style.
A comedy of love and deception
Despite sharing its name with Gioachino Rossini’s famous opera, this is a different work, written in the Spanish zarzuela tradition. The story follows Elena, a young woman who wants to pursue a singing career despite her father’s objections.
Her boyfriend, Ricardo, has also been less than truthful about his profession, claiming to be an agricultural engineer rather than a singer. When Elena’s father travels away from Madrid, her singing teacher sees an opportunity to help her take the stage.
Elena is preparing to perform the role of Rosina in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, setting the scene for romantic complications, family disagreements and comic confusion.
Discover the zarzuela tradition
Zarzuela combines spoken dialogue with singing and orchestral music. Often compared with operetta, it has been an important part of Spanish theatrical life for centuries, with stories ranging from light-hearted comedy to more dramatic social themes.
The zarzuela El Barbero de Sevilla first premiered in Madrid in 1901, with music by Manuel Nieto and Gerónimo Giménez and a libretto by Guillermo Perrín and Miguel de Palacios. The Society of Authors and Publishers’ historical archive records the original work and its premiere.
The production offers an opportunity for residents and visitors to discover a theatrical tradition that may be less familiar to international audiences than conventional opera.
Tickets and venue
The performance takes place at Teatro del Carmen, Calle Pancho López, in Velez-Malaga, on Saturday, October 17, at 8pm.
Tickets are advertised at €15 in advance and €17 at the box office. Advance tickets are available through Librería Yerma, which can be contacted on 952 50 10 15. Availability should be checked before attending.
For anyone looking for a cultural evening in the Axarquia, the production offers a chance to experience Spanish musical theatre, with humour, romance and a story built around the colourful world of opera. See also our coverage of Velez-Malaga’s Noche en Vela street theatre, concerts and dance.