Meyerbeer: L'Africaine
L'Africaine
Synopsis
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.
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1988
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Brian Large, Lotfi Mansouri
- Screenplay & Story
- Eugène Scribe
- Original Score
- Giacomo Meyerbeer
- Original Title
- L'Africaine
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 3h 9m
- Production Studios
- San Francisco Opera
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Brian Large, Lotfi Mansouri
Eugène Scribe
Giacomo Meyerbeer
Department Leadership Roster
Eugène Scribe
Writer
Brian Large
Director
Giacomo Meyerbeer
Original Music Composer
Lotfi Mansouri
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
G: General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
International Certification Matrix
General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Meyerbeer: L'Africaine.
500 best 88's movies
agb List2
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San Francisco Opera
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Frequently Asked Questions About Meyerbeer: L'Africaine
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Meyerbeer: L'Africaine about?
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.
Who directed Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
Meyerbeer: L'Africaine was directed by Brian Large, Lotfi Mansouri.
Who stars in Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
The principal cast of Meyerbeer: L'Africaine includes Plácido Domingo, Shirley Verrett, Ruth Ann Swenson, Justino Díaz, Patricia Spence.
When was Meyerbeer: L'Africaine released and how long is it?
Meyerbeer: L'Africaine was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 3h 9m.
Who composed the musical score for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine was composed by Giacomo Meyerbeer.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Meyerbeer: L'Africaine?
Meyerbeer: L'Africaine holds official age classifications: US: G (General Audiences — All ages admitted. Nothing offensive for children.).