A Queen’s Reflection: Monika Absolonová on playing Cleopatra
I perceive some nostalgia and also joy when I think about Cleopatra. Even though I have been singing as 1993, thanks to the role of Cleopatra, the audience began to perceive me more. So I also feel great gratitude.
The first premiere took place on February 22,2002. Bára Basiková took the role of Cleopatra. A day later she was played by Ilona Csáková and I drew the third performance.
It wasn’t a straightforward path to the role. Michal David is a man who brought me to the music industry. We are friends, and when the musical was preparing, I sang songs for him. He presented them to sponsors and collaborators. So I knew the songs from the musical, but I still had to audition.
Michal had a clear idea of the leaders and told me to lose weight. I was quite angry because of it, but I complied with his wishes. Thanks to this, I became one of the four Cleopatras who have been with the production from the beginning. The fourth was Radka Fišarová.
Cleopatra quickly became very popular, and people would return to see it repeatedly.Some may have initially been disappointed to find a different singer in the lead role. Several people wrote to me that when they arrived expecting Bara Basik or Ilona Csakova and found themselves at a show with me, they were initially let down. After seeing the musical, though, they changed their opinion. They said I was a pleasant surprise, that I was capable, and they enjoyed the shows. of course, I was very happy about that.
Monika Absolonová on “cleopatra,” Personal Life, and Upcoming Sychrov Concert
Czech actress Monika Absolonová reflects on her role as Cleopatra in the musical of the same name, the impact of her personal life at the time, and what audiences can expect from an upcoming concert at Sychrov Castle.
Absolonová acknowledges that her divorce coincided with her portrayal of the iconic Egyptian queen. However, she emphasizes that her personal circumstances did not influence her casting or approach to the role. “At that time I divorced, so probably yes,” she stated, “But of course this was not given the role.I have always approached it responsibly, so I read a lot of books about Cleopatra and her time and I knew almost everything that was available.”
The musical brought Absolonová together with fellow performers Bára Basiková and Ilona Čiroková, forging a lasting friendship. “There was a friendship between us that continues. We are frequently enough in touch,we like to see each othre,calling and meeting together. meetings are essential for us,whether on stage or behind the scenes,” Absolonová shared.
The upcoming concert at Sychrov Castle will feature a limited selection from “Cleopatra,” specifically the opening song. The rest of the program will showcase songs representative of each artist’s career. Absolonová will perform songs associated with her, including selections from the musicals Dracula (“My Lord”) and The Ice Kingdom. The concert will also include previously unperformed duets with Basiková and Čiroková.
Basiková and Čiroková will also perform their popular hits as part of the concert.