Aida - Bristol Hippodrome (From Worcester News)

Aida - Bristol Hippodrome

7:20pm Wednesday 11th March 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Attending the first night I was unsure of what to expect of this production of Aida – what I got was an evening of great entertainment – song, music and drama. The plot given on the internet seemed very complicated, but actually the story, (sung in Italian), was easy to follow with the help of sensitively used subtitles. Aida, an Ethiopian princess in slavery in Egypt, has a dilemma – to remain with the man she loves (her country’s conqueror), or to betray his war plan to her father so that they can return to their homeland in victory.

The performance by Elena Dee as Aida was outstanding – she has an amazing voice, and acted the part convincingly. Radames (the soldier and lover played by Patrizio Ha) has his own dilemma – to flee with Aida or to marry the Egyptian princess, Amneris, whose hand he has won in victory over the Ethiopians. This was a good, if occasionally wooden performance. There was also a powerful performance from Zarui Verdandean as Amneris. There was a strong supporting operatic cast, but some of the dance scenes were a little incongruous.

There are some powerful and emotional scenes created – particularly in supplication and particularly when Aida is on stage; the performance held my attention throughout – which was enthusiastically received by the audience.

This production will delight both novice and veteran opera-goers.

By Janice Priestley

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)