Where stories are told on stage, it is no surprise that magic often follows, whether it be through the spectacle and illusion of moving sets and scenery, spellbinding singing, or enchanting storylines. In opera, magic is often used as a plot device to resolve tricky situations or complicate matters for certain characters, or sometimes to form a whole world where the seemingly impossible suddenly becomes part of a new reality. Welsh National Opera is certainly no stranger to embracing the other-worldly and captivating, so let’s have a look at where magic features in some of our favourite recent productions.
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth provides the perfect spooky drama for Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic adaptation of the play. From the beginning, an ominous mood looms created by the evil witches who congregate to hail Macbeth and predict that he will soon become king. Their prophecy encourages Macbeth to act in unforgivable ways that unfold throughout the opera. The witches later appear in Act III, bringing about apparitions for Macbeth, warning him to be wary of Macduff. They play an essential part in Macbeth’s eventual downfall.
Leoš Janáček’s 1920s opera, The Makropulos Affair, follows Emilia Marty, a woman who with the help of a magical elixir of life has lived a life of over 300 years. With each new generation, she reinvents herself with new personas, bewitches everyone with her beauty until they are driven mad with longing. However, her multiple personalities eventually catch up with her, and she is discovered as an immortal being who has cheated and cast many under her spell.
Shostakovich’s 1950s operetta Cheryomushki was brought to life by WNO Youth Opera in 2022 under the title Cherry Town, Moscow. When everything goes wrong for Lidochka, having lost the flat she was promised by the state, she is brought to a magical garden by Cherry Town’s residents. Amazingly, the cruel housing estate manager is sacked and gives out keys to all the flats. The magical garden bench allows Sergei to confess his feelings to Lucy and for Boris and Lidochka also to realise their love for each other.
Mozart’s The Magic Flute is undoubtedly the most famous opera which features magic throughout. First performed in 1791, the opera is full to the brim of magical twists and turns, following the journeys of young Tamino and Papageno in rescuing Pamina from the clutches of her mother, the Queen of the Night. To face trials of silence, fire and water, they are helped on their quest by a magic flute and magic bells, before the Queen and her ladies are magically banished into the deep night.
This Season, we bring Mozart’s famous last opera, The Magic Flute, to the stage. Experience Daisy Evans’ vibrant and modern re-telling in Cardiff, Llandudno, Milton Keynes, Bristol, Birmingham, Southampton and Plymouth until 27 May 2023.