Opera for one and all
Aida opens new ears to art form
IF Opera Australia’s objective was to showcase its art form to a wider audience via Opera on the Beach – Aida, it succeeded long before a note was performed at last night’s premiere.
The wonderful world of opera has been opening eyes and minds at Coolangatta as school holiday crowds stumble across Aida’s majestic Egyptian set and theatre in the sand.
While this new production of Aida comes with camels, a huge cast, surf lifesavers, a community chorus, Griffith University student musicians and fireworks, this G-rated (soap) opera is no gimmick.
The Coast season of Aida is a slice of history in the making. Armenian-Australian true Verdian soprano Natalie Aroyan made her debut as a lead in an Opera Australia production when she stepped on to the stage as Aida on Coolangatta Beach last night. It’s a big deal.
It’s also a big deal to have 40 Griffith University student musicians join 10 Opera Australia aces in the live orchestra that accompanies a principal cast that boasts some of the company’s biggest voices.
Of course, Opera Australia doesn’t do anything by halves. Its attention to detail is supposed to stand it apart.
It’s A-game is on show with Aida – from the sets and seating to its cast and costumes, generous LED subtitle screens (Aida is sung in Italian) and magnificent, weather-proof, crystal clear sound system.
The cast might not receive as many spontaneous standing ovations in the sand as they do in a theatre but it’s worth noting the effort involved in one ‘sanding ovation’ is the equal of at least five in a theatre.
Audiences are advised to rug up and take a rug. Don’t let the wind or talk of wet weather put you off.
Don’t enter and leave the show willy nilly. Opera audiences wait patiently for a break in proceedings before resuming their seats. Like Wimbledon.
While nothing beats being seated in front of the stage, this lush production is on show for anyone up for a sticky beak. Opera Australia are confident the curious will get curiouser – and pull up a seat.
Opera on the Beach Aida plays Coolangatta Beach until September 30.