Handel's Amadigi di Gaula gets a dazzling Love Island makeover at Buxton Festival, replacing magic with reality TV trickery and inflatable flamingos. This inventive staging keeps you smiling while you catch feelings for the baroque music.
A Reality TV Twist on Baroque Opera
Director Olivia Fuchs swaps sorceresses for all-powerful producers and foolish lovers for the cast of a Love Island-style show. The absurdity of Handel's magic operas becomes a playful commentary on modern dating culture.
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With an inflatable flamingo, a barrage of cameras, and more hearts than a cardiologist convention, this production is a joy to watch. The chemistry between the four singers is electric, making you forget the lack of lower voices.
Star Performances and Musical Excellence
Sopranos Hilary Cronin and Rowan Pierce, alongside countertenors James Hall and Tim Morgan, tangle in Handel's musical game of Twister. Cronin's Melissa deserves her own spin-off series for her power-suited villainy served with a hip-wiggle and an eyebrow-raise.
Enter Erin Helyard and the English Concert – a dream team of baroque dynamism and style. Their propulsive playing drives the action, only pressing pause for emotive obbligato moments for oboe and bassoon.
Key Takeaways from the Production
- Innovative reality TV concept makes Handel accessible to modern audiences
- Exceptional vocal performances from a small but talented cast
- Clever use of video trickery and props like hair-straighteners and eyelash-curlers
- Dynamic orchestral accompaniment by the English Concert
Comparison: Traditional vs. Reality TV Staging
| Traditional Opera | Reality TV Staging |
|---|---|
| Magic and sorcery | Video trickery and gameshow challenges |
| Formal costumes | Power suits and hip-wiggles |
| Static set design | Inflatable flamingos and cameras |
| Serious tone | Playful and humorous |
This isn't the first reality TV opera staging, but Fuchs' endless invention sells the concept. Melissa's deceptive illusions become video trickery, her trial-by-fire a gameshow challenge, and the final act's tortures are fulfilled with a hot pair of hair-straighteners.
FAQ
What is Amadigi di Gaula about?
Amadigi di Gaula is a Handel opera about love, jealousy, and magic, reimagined here as a reality TV show set on 'Melissa's Island'.
Where is this production playing?
The production is part of the Buxton Festival in the UK, known for its innovative opera stagings.
Who are the lead performers?
The cast includes sopranos Hilary Cronin and Rowan Pierce, and countertenors James Hall and Tim Morgan, with the English Concert orchestra.
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