Idomeneo

This is an ‘opera seria’ where Greek myths are reimagined through the lens of the Enlightenment period. The references to the awesome power of nature and the incredible emotional impact this has on the characters are all profoundly explored in this complex text. Set during the Trojan War, Idomeneo (Steve Davislim) challenges the commands of the God Neptune (Simon Meadows) and this results in a reign of natural terror on the kingdom. Idomeneo cannot bring himself to sacrifice his son Idamante (Catherine Carby) whose affections are sought by both Ilia (Kathryn Radcliffe) and Elettra (Olivia Cranwell). The two women are bitter rivals and the ire or passion of nature is often mirrored in the emotions of the women, especially Elettra.

This production manages the intricacies of the narrative and the emotions beautifully. The costume design is simple and adopts contemporary attire which effectively contextualises the nature of the events depicted. The staging is inventive and highly evocative using a very simple white set almost as a three-dimensional blank canvas upon which to screen astute and powerful imagery. Clear blue skies, rough seas, thunderous storms, lush forests and vertiginous cliff faces all feature as striking backdrops as the tragic tale unfolds. The stage design also employs colour patterns and saturation to echo the emotions of the character and they often appear in harmony with the music and singing. The timing of these moments is often breath-taking and exquisitely deployed. The set also lends itself to creating more urban settings and each scene is treated with a great sense of ritual and antiquity. The music is thrilling, and the excellent performance of the orchestra marries well with the passionate and compelling singing.

The cast provides very strong and consistent performances and the delicate nuance of the vocal abilities are well supported by the intensity of the acting. For example, the sinuous nature of Idomeneo's persona is conveyed with tenderness and this sets the tone of the approach to characterisation in this production. Despite the large-scale emotions and narrative arcs, the performers give a sense of realism to their circumstances by focusing on fundamental sentiments such as love and betrayal. Cranwell was especially able to give Elettra a bitter quality and this created a sharp contrast with her rival and many of the other characters. This production has a liveliness and forcefulness that makes the story accessible and engrossing. The staging of this opera at the Palais Theatre adds to the sense of grandeur and occasion and makes this production a very special event.

Patricia Di Risio

Photographer: Charlie Kinross.