It’s probably not going to drop your jaw to learn that I have only ever seen one opera before. Nor that it was a parentally enforced venture.
There are certain reactions therefore that no doubt occurred through my own deliberate ignorance, rather than what an educated opera-goer would have felt. For example, there is a tremendously overwrought character to the operatic experience. This made me feel like I was babysitting a histrionic teenager. Although, in fairness, it’s a rare teenager that has to deal with being an exiled priestess that has to sacrifice any outsiders landing on the island as penance.
Lyric Opera showcased the phenomenal talents of Caroline Vercoe, Michael Lampard, Bruce Raggatt and Angela Hogan in this wonderful story in which Iphigenie discovers her brother is the man she is obliged to kill, and they fight for their escape.
I must admit that the subtitles were a welcome addition, and made me feel intellectually superior, like I was watching the SBS of theatre.
The experience began the moment you walked in, with the halls lined with the chorus, in their ghoulish army outfits, creating an intimidating mood. One that I nearly ruined when I recognised a friend’s sister. However, I successfully restrained myself and the play continued unharmed.
The set was simple but very effective with lighting, and with the orchestra positioned in the middle of the stage. This was genius, because there is literally no person who doesn’t love the frantic hand gestures of a conducting maestro.
Despite a slow start, where I discovered that listening to someone sing beautifully about their dream makes your arse itch as much as someone retelling their godawful dream does, it was a truly beautiful performance.
The emotion was conveyed so stunningly, and built steadily to the passionate ending, where everyone in fact did not lose, as I thought they were legally required to in opera.
Even without being an opera enthusiast, the atmosphere and experience created by Lyric Opera was one everyone should try and have at least once. More if you enjoy great aural and being surrounded by the over-emotional.
