Fidelio soars in Gitmo setting

Melbourne Opera has built up a stable of talented, entertaining singers, so what better opera than Cosi Fan Tutte, with no less than six major roles, to show off the skills of their popular artists.

Radically changing the time and place setting of operas can be risky, but potentially rewarding if the update illuminates the text and enhances the variety for audiences who are well accustomed to traditional stagings. Happily, the choice of 1960s Melbourne is an excellent one, giving this production an extra pep and delight beyond the innate charm of the music.

I knew this production was going to be different when things started happening in the overture. Don Alfonso was in his Lygon Street wine bar showing the barmaid the ring he was planning to give to his intended when said lady walked out with another man! He immediately tore down the Alfonso sign and put up a neon sign, “Cosi Fan Tutte”, as the title tune appeared late in the overture.

It was a nice touch.