
Meyerbeer: L'Africaine
This was a 1988 revival of a 1971 production that teamed Domingo (Vasco da Gama) and Verrett (Selika - both then very much in their prime) in Meyerbeer's discursive swan-song. Seventeen years on, they are more statuesque than sexy, but both give larger-than-life performances that contain moments of completely thrilling vocalism. The casting is very strong, with the exception of Justino Diaz's Nelusko, which has strong presence but not much vocal allure. As Inez, Vasco da Gama's fiancee and rival for Shirley Verrett, Ruth Ann Swneson sings with great beauty and has impressive stage presence, very much holding her own in the confrontation with Verrett in the last act. Domingo is refulgent of tone and dramatically convincing, and he and Verrett strike sparks. She really comes into her own in one of the most preposterous mad-scenes in all opera, where she is slowly poisoned by the scent of a giant tree, contriving to make this dramatically truthful and even moving.
TMDB
7.5/10
2 votes
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- —
- Box office
- —
- Language
- French
- opera live performance
Top billed cast
Release dates
United StatesUS
- TheatricalG1 Jan 1988
Frequently asked questions
- When was Meyerbeer: L'Africaine released?
- Meyerbeer: L'Africaine was released on 1 January 1988.
- Where can I watch Meyerbeer: L'Africaine online?
- No verified streaming availability is listed for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine right now. Check back soon.
- Is there a Hindi trailer for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
- No verified Hindi trailer for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine is available yet. Only the original-language trailer is listed.
- What is the rating of Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
- Meyerbeer: L'Africaine holds a 7.5/10 audience score from 2 votes.
- Who directed Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
- Meyerbeer: L'Africaine (1988) was directed by Brian Large.
- How long is Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
- Meyerbeer: L'Africaine runs for 3h 9m.

















