AIDA

AIDA 

At Ster-Kinekor Theatres, Rosebank Nouveau to watch the premier of Verdi's Aida on the big screen. A production by Cape Town Opera performed at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town. I can claim having gone to Cape Town, such was the experience. The visuals in HD and the sound crisp, it was like being in the Artscape auditorium. I kid you not 15 minutes before the show, one of my poems titled "Cape Town" got a like. Cape Town is calling my name again, I don't believe in coincidences, it's synchronicities, I read Jung.

A grand production this is. It is spectacular! Egyptian mythology, Isis, vibrant costumes, colorful and bursting with imagination. 4 acts, huge stage. The Opera is sung in Italian, English subtitles for continuity and following with the story. The set evokes the feeling of Egypt with a big triangle hovering in the air against a backdrop of a gold wall that has imagery of the eye of horus. A chorus of 56 singers and dancers who are simply perfect. The singing is phenomenal, we were clapping along with the audience on the screen. A masterclass on technique and finesse, high notes are a given but it's also about the texture and feel. Opera is emotive and expressive. US based conductor Kamal Khan leads the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Set in ancient Egypt, Aida is a tragic love story involving: Aida, an Ethiopian princess enslaved in Egypt. Radamès, an Egyptian military commander who is in love with Aida. Amneris, the Egyptian king's daughter, who is also in love with Radamès. The plot revolves around love, loyalty, betrayal, and the conflict between personal desire and duty to one's country. It ends tragically, as Radamès and Aida are entombed alive for their forbidden love. Yes, buried alive for love. 

Gregory Maqoma provides the choreography. A must see for Opera lovers. This production is simply irresistible. 

Congratulations Cape Town Opera and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation. 

https://youtu.be/7MTcoIsAyPY?si=w458JXUcx7FLQBhP