Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute’ is the current production at the WA Opera, an opera that has great music, is visually attention grabbing and, filled with fairytale fantasy.
You’d might think that an opera delivered in English would be easier to digest than something in German or Italian, but this is not the case with The Magic Flute.
The music is by Mozart and the libretto was written by his collaborator Emanuel Schikander in 1791. This version however makes use of an English translation, which might make this production a good entry point for someone not familiar with the art form of Opera.
The Magic Flute however has one of the most complicated story lines, twisting turning and weaving it’s way through many scenes and characters. Essentially it’s a fairy tale filled with Princes, captured Princesses, serpents, evil Queens and classic sidekicks. We follow Prince Tamino and his newly acquired companion Papageno and they try to rescue Princess Pamina from the clutches of Sasastro, from here it all get’s a bit complicated but luckily there is a detailed plot outline in the program.
Yet you maybe don’t really need to know what is going on to enjoy the fun antics of these characters, the romance and the spectacle of the show. The music is uplifting and filled with variety and the production has a delicate balance of fun and mysticism.
Carl Friedrich Oberle’s simple set is deceptive. At first it appears as a long room, an optical illusion pulling back in to the distance, as time goes on doors open in the walls, bright light shines through creating a vivid impression of a world beyond the wings.
A highlight of the show is when Tamino plays his magic flute and a variety of animals appear and dance to his music. Doors and widows open on stage and creatures pop out revealing birds, giraffes and elephants. Gorilla’s dance around the stage, a brown bear walks to the front of the stage, perilously close to a crocodile, while a polar bear bounces to the beat in the corner. Let’s be honest, I really wanted to become lifelong friends with the polar bear.
The costumes are luxurious, the 18th century world comes to life with cloaks and capes, beautiful dresses, stockings and hats.
The cast are solid, the very handsome Alexander Lewis is Tamino, James Clayton nails it as the sidekick Papageno, Katya Webb appears as the alluring Pamina and Milica Ilic as the regal Queen of the Night while Daniel Sumegi plays Sarastro.
‘The Magic Flute’ is a nice change of pace in comparison to recent operas, there’s no suicides, descents into madness, or long drawn out deaths from the pox. It’s definitely ensconced int the world of fairy tales. It’s fun, frivolous and filled with fantasy.
The Magic Flute is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday July 26th. Tickets are available from Ticketek.
Graeme Watson
