Gscene News Archive

Ellen Kent’s production and direction of Aida last night (May 27) was a pleasure to behold.

Big, brash, delicately sung and as fascinating as only three hours of epic Verdi can be. Like an ancient Egyptian Eastenders, courtesy of the Chisinau National Opera who rendered this Aida with all the grace of an omnibus episode with all the jealously, affairs, rage, envy, anger and a little light burial alive to top it off.

At one point with more than 50 performers on stage and so much going on, all I could do was wonder which of the chorus was the cutest and I thought I might have had enough, but that’s the Kent style, slap it all on and then scrape it off and leave just the right amount to engage you again.

This is a full-on and surprisingly subtle version of Verdi’s masterpiece, to the full house; it was also something of a special event and well worth the ticket money.

Aidas complicated story of passion, love, betrayal, jealousy and lust for power was sung in its original Italian with sur-titles, which are fine to keep up with the dialogue, but the singers embody their characters with such life that it’s easy to be carried along with the story just by their expression and song.

The brief story is a battle for the love of war hero Radames between two sexy young princesses – Aida and the delightfully mean Amneris. Wrapped up with themes of patriotism and family, war and honesty, it’s a good old fashioned romp though Egyptian history.

The stage, as always with a Kent production is wonderfully done, all pillars, arches and columns which although not changed throughout the production (in true Amphitheatre style) provides enough interest and backs the Royal Egyptian action perfectly.

The orchestra conducted by Nicolea Dohotaru was accomplished and played all the right notes in all the right order, and again, the packed house enjoyed them.

I liked the spectacle of the evening, the huge cast performing very well on the Theatre Royal’s tight stage. As an opera snob I couldn’t help noticing some of the weakness of Patrizio Ha’s and also the world class reach of Zarui Vardandean, special mention to Vladimir Dragos who plays the father -Amonasro - to perfection although his beard was almost carry-on, some of the wigs were a bit dodgy too, especially the slave ones, but…..

When asked about her particular style of opera Ellen Kent replied “It's not my job to make my audience think. It's my job to entertain. In Aida, I'm going to have a wall of fire which will be spectacular. If some critics think that's too showbizzy then tough."

Overall though, if you want a good night out full of spectacle, good singing, costumes and the odd burst of flame then check out the other Operas on offer from this accomplished and polished company at the Theatre Royal.

Ellen Kent's Turandot
Thursday 28 May 2009

Ellen Kent's Carmen
Friday 29 May 7.30pm
Saturday 30 May 7.30pm

For more information view:
www.ambassadortickets.com/Theatre-Royal-Brighton