DIVA is a musical project by the Belgian theatre company FroeFroe, conceived for performances outdoors or at home from summer 2021. Set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Italy, it tells the story of two brothers: Carlo, a castrato singer, and Ricardo, a composer.
The brothers grow up together and enter a competition for young talents. Carlo wins a scholarship to the conservatory, accompanied by Ricardo, who writes music for him. Ambition eventually separates them. Carlo finds success when Georg Friedrich Händel composes an opera for him, while Ricardo begins working with Alexandra, a singer who becomes both Carlo’s rival and Ricardo’s partner.
Inspired by the film Farinelli and books by Daan Esch and Helmut Krausser, DIVA combines live music, puppetry and theatrical images. FroeFroe brings classical music to young audiences while exploring the world of opera, its performers, patrons and divas. B.O.X Baroque Orchestration X supports the project’s musical choices and ensemble.
Performers and team: Serge Kakudji, Abigail Abraham and Thais Scholiers (voices); Floris De Rycker, Pieter Theuns and Pieter Vandeveire (baroque ensemble); Filip Peeters, Dimitri Duquennoy, Dries De Win, Heleen Haest and Fien Van Der Aa (stage); Jo Heijens and Klaartje Vermeulen (technical team).