If you had told me a year ago that I would be standing by the harbour on a clear-skied evening, waiting to watch an opera with hundreds of others, I’d have been a) relieved; b) incredulous; and c) relieved. After a year of such uncertainty about the future, both in the arts and the wider community, it is hard to take for granted the sheer pleasure of gathering to share an experience in the same space as others. And what a space this is …
After a drenching week that would make Noah nervous, watching the sun sink behind the iconic Sydney skyline felt nothing short of miraculous. A Sydney Harbour sunset with prosecco in hand and a warm breeze is a hard act to follow, but at Opera Australia’s production of La Traviata it is only the beginning.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour offers a sumptuous experience for the senses. Arrive early and stroll along the shoreline with a drink, or sit at one of the many tables and enjoy a meal from one of the pop up restaurants. My theatre date and I enjoyed the Mediterranean vegetable stack and a cheese plate. We opted for a Regional Selections Organic Prosecco, NV.
Oh alright, we opted for three.
We were guided to our seats by the helpful front of house staff, and let our eyes feast on the magnificent chandelier that waits above the stage. The first few bars of Verde’s Prelude to Act I played and we left Sydney for the romance and decadence of Paris. We fell in love, we had our hearts broken, and we were welcomed into a roaring party. There were even fireworks.
Attending this triumphant production felt like a rebellion against the challenges of 2020. It is an opulent tribute to beauty, love and life itself, even in the face of adversity. Opera aficionados will appreciate the athleticism of this production, while those new to opera will find themselves singing ‘Libiamo ne’ lieti calici‘ in the shower for weeks to come. I enjoy trying out Violetta’s fervent plea, “Amami, Alfredo, amami quant’io t’amo,” (“Love me Alfredo, love me as I love you”) when I think no-one else is home.
La Traviata On Sydney Harbour offers a wonderful evening that will have you floating home to beautiful dreams. Playing until April 25, 2021.
Catherine MacGraffin, Theatre Now
