Pop-Up Opera: Bellini's I Capuleti e I Montecchi

For Spring 2017, Pop-Up are reviving their first ‘tragic’ opera, staged to great acclaim in 2016. Pop-Up’s version of I Capuleti e I Montecchi (sung in Italian with English captions) conjures an atmospheric and intimate environment that places spectators at the heart of Bellini's moving love story.

With their signature ‘Silent Movie’ captions that add another layer to the performance, Pop-Up embrace the unique spaces in which they perform, driven by Bellini's enchanting score. Now well-established on the touring opera circuit, the company skilfully adapt their operas to each individual venue, making every performance unique, while always maintaining the highest standards.

Artistic Director, Clementine Lovell, comments, Experimenting with a tragedy is a new direction away from comedy and has been very exciting for us. Bringing the thrilling drama and heartbreaking tragedy of this piece into these intimate and atmospheric spaces has presented a new way of engaging our audiences and created something quite visceral. We are looking forward to developing it further and exploring more amazing venues.

This is the most tragic love story of all time, where two star-crossed lovers – Romeo and Juliet - find their worlds ripped apart against a new backdrop of Italy’s bloody family feuds and gang rivalry. Witness how their all-consuming passion tries to survive amidst violence, hatred and vicious grievances. Bellini's classic bel-canto opera is brought to life in an intense chamber production by the critically-acclaimed Pop-Up Opera.

Bellini’s I Capuleti e I Montecchi as performed..by the Popup Opera company was a rich riot of violent, straightfoward passion and beautiful noise. Wanton, tender and sweet – “easy listening” in the best sense – the production stayed true to its composer’s simple romanticism (The Times).

The combination of amazing venues, along with an informal atmosphere and engaging productions, offers a greater connection to the singers and the music, something even seasoned opera-goers often miss. If Pop-up Opera pops up near you, do pop in.

For Summer, Pop-Up will stage Cimarosa’s Il Matrimonio Segretto with press night on Wednesday 31st May and for Autumn, they will perform Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel.