Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff,
WNO’s second production in their season of madness, Orlando, explores insanity, twisted love and mythology. Being one of Handel’s most well-known works it’s quite a feat to stage a production that not only is a respectful interpretation but pushes a unique vision on it as well. Harry Fehr and Yannis Thavoris’ decision to use a minimalist style along with the WW2 backdrop allows the story to flourish and was indeed a unique vision that was executed meticulously.
Lawrence Zazzo and Fflur Wyn’s performances were absolutely stunning. Their voice rang through your body as if the sonic vibrations turned into electric current that flowed from head to toe. The last two acts stood out the most. It was slick, emotion soaked and left me wanting another 3 hours. The WNO’s track record of selecting engaging material from the minds of exciting creatives in the industry is still on point.
The only damper on the evening, and it’s really a wider problem with opera itself, is trying to engage with and make a younger audience comfortable with coming along to see a production. I felt so out of place with these so called ‘status chasers’ shooting off snickers and snide comments directed at my date and myself just because we may come across as a little eccentric to them. Primarily the arts are supposed to bring people together! It’s not meant to be a place where the aristocrats of society drink white wine spritzers as they turn their noises to the roof. But maybe I’m being naïve to expect a warm reception when traditionally we may not be appropriately dressed for an evening at the opera.
Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed Orlando and think the WNO is doing some of the most artistically adventurous opera in the UK, but I couldn’t write the review without mentioning the uncomfortableness both my date and myself felt while we tried to get a drink in the interval. I hope the next time I catch another great production by the WNO I can enjoy waiting in the lobby as much as I loved the show and I hope young people can give the opera a chance despite whatever their preconceived ideas are.
words JAYDON MARTIN
photo BILL COOPER