Opera can be a daunting thing. To a complete opera virgin, the thought of spending three hours sitting through incomprehensible singing and over-acting isn’t hugely appealing. Opera Australia’s rendition of Aida on Sydney Harbour, however, will change all preconceptions of what this art form is all about.
Firstly there’s the setting. Situated on a floating stage in Sydney Harbour with a backdrop of the cityscape, Harbour Bridge and Opera House, it really is a breathtaking scene. As you enter through the gardens with twinkling fairy lights and the faint sound of African music, a giant 18-metre high head of Queen Nefertiti appears from the water and at once you’re captivated.
Pre-show, there are a number of food options serving things from North African-inspired mezze on the terrace to a full three-course dinner at The Platinum Club. There’s even a sparkling wine and oyster bar by the stage for anyone that gets peckish halfway through.
What makes this opera so appealing to a wider audience is the elaborate costumes that seamlessly fuse traditional and modern styles, a few even looking like they may have been left over from Mardi Gras with leather and bondage-like attire! There’s also a translation of the Italian into English on screens in front of the stage, so keeping up with what’s going on isn’t an issue.
Set in ancient Egypt during the rebellion and battle for empire between Egypt and Ethiopia, Aida is a tragic story of a love triangle between Ethiopian princess Aida, war hero Radames and Egyptian princess Amneris. With such a story naturally come the epic battles of love, death, war, empire and revenge that would give any Game of Thrones episode a run for its money.
The on-stage effects throughout the performance are simply breathtaking, from the huge head of Nefertiti that rotates to reveal the king of Egypt on his golden throne; to the real life camels that are ridden onto set; to the fireworks that burst out of the Harbour to celebrate the winning of the war.
For anyone that wants to try opera or just experience something completely unique, Aida is an absolute must.
Aida is running from 27 March until 26 April 2015.
Helen Lear
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