Opera has never been my idea of a night out. Despite the spectacular elements of enchantment attached to it, I have never been eagerly drawn to it. While I appreciate the talent and energy that emanates from Opera singers whenever I have spared any precious minutes of my time to watch it on television, I have never been intrigued by it. By now you get the idea that it takes a lot to get me to change my mind.
The Magic Flute, Mozart’s most famous operatic piece comes to the Young Vic but with a twist he never envisaged. Adapted and directed by Mark Dornford – May, this production has an ensemble of South African singers and musicians. This production gives you a different image of the post-apartheid South Africa.
So the story goes; Tamino is a young prince from a distant country, rescued from his own nightmares by the attendants of the Queen of the night. He is employed to help rescue Pamina, the Queens daughter, whom she claims has kidnapped by Sarastro. Accompanied by Papageno, the mischievous bird-catcher, who wants love in his life, Tamino gets a magic flute for protection on his journey. Soon they come in contact with Sarastro and find out for themselves, he is not the evil man the Queen of the night claims he is. The young prince soon falls in love with Pamina, who is equally smitten by him. He also decides to become one of Sarastro followers. The stage is set for the trial to decide the fate of the young lovers.
If you are expecting an orchestra, get ready to be surprised. Mandisi Dyantyis, is the conductor, in a T-shirt and combat trousers, he conducts members of cast who are playing marimbas. As if that was not shocking enough, the stage of the Young Vic has been transformed into a different world. With bamboo sticks holding up the stage in a trapeze form, drums hanging above and fire coming from below as the story unfolds.
Mhelekazi Andy Mosiea and Philisa Sibeko are brilliant in their respective roles as Tamino and Pamina. Zamila Gantana is the hilarious Papageno. Pauline Malefane is astounding as Queen of the night, her voice and sheer stage energy, takes your breath away. Colourful and amazing costumes, especially when Pauline Malefene comes on stage dressed in weaves of raffia add zest to the production.
If you are expecting the high octane dance songs and sounds of South Africa, from shows such as Umoja, then this isn’t for you. However, it has its moments with raptous drum sounds. The songs and voices of the singers reverberate throughout the theatre. Despite the odd clumsy dance routines, The Magic Flute will leave you spellbound and nourished, and the ingenious use of bottles to create soaring melodic sounds will leave you wanting more.
Image: Keith Pattison
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