An ambitious, thought-provoking production of Mozart’s fantastical opera, performed with style and expertise.
Summary
Rating
Excellent!
When asked to review an established opera, such as The Magic Flute you are obviously not reviewing the content of Mozart’s 1791 work. However, there are certain elements of the piece that a contemporary production might decide to focus on or play down. It has long been proposed that much of the opera is written from the perspective of masonic traditions and rites, given that both Mozart and his librettist Schikaneder were masons. Opera Greenwich beautifully focuses on the themes within the work of peace, growth and collaboration, ideals that are at the centre of their raison d’être, as the company nurture emerging artists and collaborates with the wider community. They certainly succeeded in bringing this ambitious production to a very wide audience on the first night.
The themes of the opera are highlighted and supported by superb directing from Valeria Perboni. The use of projection and exploitation of all available space in the auditorium adds to the spectacle and the almost immersive nature of the performance.
There are two casts over the run of the show, which illustrates the talent available to the company. All performers not only achieve virtuoso solos but also demonstrate excellent acting skills, providing the storyline via the song and speech sections. Special mention has to go to the three ladies, Antonida Kocharova, Megan Artemova Thomas and Lizzie Hawes. Not only is their singing exceptional, the fun and comic timing they have is hilarious. Let’s not forget The Magic Flute is supposed to be fun, and teamed with the brilliantly funny depiction of Papageno by Ben Watkins, they keep the production moving along, taking the audience with them. The Queen of the Night Meliza Metzger, brings a touch of glamour to the production and carries off the well-known aria with aplomb. Kennedy Blair Miller as Pamina is stunning, as is Grigore Riciu as Tamino.
The orchestra, on probably one of the hottest nights of the year so far, surpassed themselves under the accomplished direction of Ishan Bhadra.
The storyline running through the opera is as relevant today as it was in the 1700s. It tells of a mother whose child is taken from her by a tyrant, and her grief and need for revenge should remind us of the situations of families in war-torn countries at the moment. The need for not only nations but individuals to collaborate and come together to face challenges that threaten our planet is a lesson for our time. Opera Greenwich’s production hits all those buttons; it is beautifully performed and produced, and is not only great entertainment but thought-provoking as well. I look forward to seeing more from them at Greenwich Theatre.
Director: Valeria Perboni
Music Director: Ishan Bhadra
Producer: William Eley
The Magic Flute plays at the Greenwich Theatre until 22nd June
