Aida isn’t my favourite opera but it sure went down well with my friend who’s an opera newbie and needed cheering up. Especially as opera remains one of those things that still merits a little dressing up. You can still get lost in music.
It was good to see all the musicians in the orchestra pit and the conductor – Nicolae Dohotaru – was politely applauded as he took his position. In a nutshell, the story revolves around a love triangle: Amneris (princess of Egypt) loves Radames (Captain of the Egyptian guard and all round war hero) who loves Aida (a slave who just happens to be the daughter of the King of Ethiopia). And Aida loves Radames although it is a secret. The rivalry between the Egyptian and Ethiopian princesses is mirrored in the wars between the countries.
The costumes are sumptuous – and the cast extensive. The scenery – whether in the temple or on the banks of the Nile – created a real sense of occasion and location. The scene where the famous triumphal march was played as the spoils of war are displayed was both rich and moving. Another level of drama was added with large jets of fire and a fire spinner. And I was moved by the choral song that pleaded for the lives of the war prisoners.
The lead singers – Elena Dee (Aida) and Sorin Lupu (Radames) – were excellent. Although I found it hard to take my eyes off of the muscular knees of Sorin – maybe he was a rugby player in a former life?
Whilst all the music was good, special mention is required for the harp player. There really was an Arabic feel to some of the music. And well done to the children who did a little dancing at key stages of the story. The long production – just over three hours – is broken up with two generous intervals so there’s plenty of time for a glass of wine and to stretch your legs. And if you’re not familiar with the story or the Italian in which it is sung there are helpful English subtitles displayed above the action.
Where else could you see a fine opera production with ticket prices from £12.90? After Saturday 30th November the production continues its tour around the UK. Future showings close to London include: Wimbledon (12th April) and Windsor (28th April).
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/aida/richmond-theatre/
http://www.ellenkent.com/synopsis/aida.html
