With an opera booking for this evening, it was necessary to keep the feast in an morning Eucharist, so I joined the two dozen faithful at St John's Canton for their 10h30 Ascension service. After lunch, I went into the office for the first time this week, since my catarrhy cold has left me less than functional over the past few days. We had an important strategic planning meeting to attend in County Hall, as well as catch-up paperwork.
As we'd booked three tickets for the evening performance of 'Cosi fan tutte', it was possible to take Rachel and our neighbour Mary to the performance, leaving Clare to take care of a Jasmine who was happy to have her grandma to herself.
The opera was arrestingly original in the setting given to the essential plot, which tells of the ultimately disastrous experiment made by two soldiers to test the fidelity of their betrothed beloved. The action was placed in a Welsh seaside resort in the 1960's. As the soldiers were portrayed disguised themselves as holiday camp Redcoats, the inference is at the town in question is Pwllheli. The rubbish bin into which the chip papers of the principals were stuffed in the first act had 'Sbriwiel' written on the side. (I wonder if they change that when they go on tour?)
The translation of the opera from an Italian context is not so far fetched, if you think of the widespread Italian migration into Wales in the 20th century - ice cream parlours, coffee bars, restaurants set up in the wake of migrating coal miners, and the soldiers as visitors from the New Europe with its military alliances. The tale of temptation, betrayal and infidelity works in any context - just as it does in the Bible.
The singing was outstandingly good. The theatrical experiment added something special to frame the music for a contemporary Welsh, if not British audience. My companions were much taken with our discount front row seats. It's one of the best things we ever do. Well done WNO, as ever!
No comments:
Post a Comment