Opera doyenne enjoys the challenges of A Little Night Music

Aviva Pelham, Capetonian opera doyenne, is performing the role of Madame Armfeldt in A Little Night Music at Theatre on the Bay. The SA Jewish Report spoke to her between performances. 

You have starred in operas, musicals, operettas, oratorios, gospel shows, and cabaret for more than five decades. Which of these resonate most with you and why? 

I came into theatre through the opera door. Although it is the most demanding of all the genres I have performed, the magnificence of the music fulfilled me at the deepest level. However, I don’t fit into any box. I love operetta, the style, melodic charm, and lilt, and of course, the musicals, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, The King and I. They gave me and thousands of others immense pleasure. 

What drew you to the role of the formidable Madame Armfeldt in A Little Night Music? 

I am a Sondheim addict! Having performed the role of The Witch in Into the Woods as well as countless songs by Sondheim, I felt this role would be an exciting challenge at this stage. 

Tell us about this character. 

Madame Armfeldt is the doyenne of the family, imperious and domineering. She has lived a full life with many affairs and dubious values. She disapproves of her daughter’s choices but dotes on her granddaughter. Sondheim has written her some marvellously witty dialogue. 

What do you enjoy about working on a Sondheim musical? What makes it different? 

Every part of it is a challenge. The music is complex, the harmonies tricky, and the words are impossibly brilliant but difficult to master. Sondheim’s genius is pulling it all together into a theatrical gem. 

How familiar are you with playing comedy? And how easy do you find it? 

I’ve done countless comedy roles. I love making people laugh. 

How complicated was it to get the singing, acting, and comedic touch into your performance? 

The rehearsal process helped us put all the different layers together. Firstly, for me, it is always the music ‒ it must be secure. Vocally, the role is written extremely low, and several well-known mezzos have performed it. Yet I feel comfortable in this register, it helps the interpretation of the elderly Madame Armfeldt. The dialogue takes time to be cohesive as we all explore our characters, guided by the director, Fred Abrahamse. 

You have a stellar cast to work with, including Samantha Peo and Jonathan Roxmouth. What’s it like working with these individuals? 

It has been a joy! Samantha, Jonathan, and Kate Normington are all stars, each bringing their own unique talent to the piece. 

You have performed so many phenomenal roles over the years. Which have been your favourites and why? 

I have two favourite opera roles. I made my debut as Norina in Don Pasquale ‒ what a gift for a young, inexperienced singer. It gave me many opportunities to shine, vocally and histrionically. But the bestest role for me was Musetta in La Bohème. The sublime Puccini music and the wonderful character seemed tailor-made for me. In musicals, My Fair Lady has the best script and fabulous music. 

Where does A Little Night Music fit in? 

I’m loving doing this one at this stage of my life. 

You have so much to offer and have mentored and taught so many over the years. What do you enjoy about doing that kind of work? 

I love teaching life skills, it’s not only about how to progress in a career. We need to develop as people, so that we can have fulfilled lives on every level. 

You have also used music as a healing tool. Tell us a bit about this. 

I’ve always been drawn to helping in any way and knowing that music is the international communicator, I have worked with blind choirs, Aids choirs, and a prison choir. I always include wheelchair dancers in my concerts as well as the deaf, who sing specific songs. 

What are you doing these days when you’re not performing? 

I’m crazy busy. I direct many concerts. The most recent are the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra’s Variety Gala, which I direct every year, as well as the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra on Youth Day when we introduced the instruments of the orchestra to children. I also direct concerts shining the light on talented young singers. I work regularly at the Amy Foundation, doing workshops and directing its annual Gala Dinner. And also keep in touch with the Motor Neurone Disease Association as I am its national patron. I am a worshipper of nature, so I try to walk on the beach when I have the time. I am slowly getting back to playing the piano and trying my hand at painting. My life is full of abundance and I am full of gratitude.