The Magic Flute is often referred to as the perfect first opera and suitable for all ages. It is an enchanting fairy tale which is set in a fantasy world. This Welsh National Opera version is very definitely set in a fantasy world of the future with fluorescent bright colours, shiny costumes and larger than life characters.
The curtains open and the first thing that strikes you is the minimal set in contrast to the wonderfully busy Orchestra. Conducted by the incredible Teresa Riveiro Böhm from the moment the impressive orchestra began the audience are taken into this magical world.
Conceptualised and directed by Daisy Evans this production of The Magic Flute is a sensory overload with projection, globes of colour and sticks of light creating a vision and leading you through the story- literally at one point where they create an arrow pointing the way!
For those familiar with the Magic Flute this is a new and modern take on the story, whilst remaining truthful to Mozart’s intentions, the audience travel along with Princess Pamina and her friends through a balance struggle between the Queens imaginative, dreamy, free-living night and the Kings regimented logical world of daylight.
April Koyejo-Audiger, making her impressive Welsh National Opera debut, as Pamina is a floaty light Soprano and is well matched by Thando Mjandana’s wonderfully boyish and eager Tamino. There are some other stand out performances including the three queens’ ladies and the Queens iconic second Aria sung from a glowing moon.
There was at times a pantomimic feel to the show which as a singspiel opera, which means there is singing and dialogue, had some great comical lines that had the audiences roaring with laughter.
So book yourselves on this magical and unique trip to the opera
By Jacqui Ham
