Fly

Fly is an Australian opera composed by Barry Conyngham which debuted in 1984 with the late, lamented Victorian State Opera. The subject is Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian engineer, explorer, astronomer, inventor and aeronautical pioneer.

I found this opera quite approachable. The music enhanced the drama and flowed lyrically. The venue was just a square brick box with very lively acoustics. Unfortunately, words were sometimes lost when performers were not facing the audience. However, generally diction was very good.

Although Hargraves was obviously a very important man in the history of Australia, the main focus was on family conflict, and this drew the audience in. Being so close to the audience, there was nowhere for the performers to hide and they rose to the challenge.

The set was simple but effective. There were a couple of rope structures towards the back which were twisted into other shapes for different scenes. There was a square platform which was rolled forward for the scene where the young Hargrave was travelling up the Fly River in Papua New Guinea. The interactions between the performers was natural and effective.

The voices were excellent. Sam Roberts-Smith as Hargrave was a high baritone rather than tenor, but displayed some ringing high notes when required. He alternated between tender interactions with his daughters, and the conflict with his wife. Caroline Vercoe’s rich mezzo was a delight as the wife, often frustrated by her idealistic husband.

Lisette Bolton and Shakira Dugan were delightful as the two daughters and Cameron Sibly and Cameron Taylor strong as the young Hargrave and his boss, Luigi.

The rapturous reception at the end said it all.

Graham Ford