Verdi's A Masked Ball @ Festival Theatre
Verdi’s tragedy receives a spectacular Gilded Age makeover in this lavish and superbly performed production as part of Edinburgh International Festival
Opera has never been an art form particularly interested in doing things by halves, and Zurich Opera House’s take on Verdi's A Masked Ball certainly isn’t about to start.
Director Adele Thomas relocates Verdi’s tale of forbidden love, betrayal and assassination to America’s Gilded Age, creating a world simultaneously sumptuous and grotesque. Hannah Clark’s magnificent set dominates from the outset: an imposing, intricately detailed carousel playground through which the production moves from political spectacle to occult mystery and, ultimately, the glittering masked ball.
The show is at it's strongest when its full cast are present, and while the audience learns from the outset that this opera centres on a tragedy, there are plenty of playful moments that keep the plot light and fun despite its dark undertones. At almost three hours, there are moments when the production’s pace slows to squeeze every last ounce of tension and emotion out of its leading roles. At times, this can feel excessive, but Thomas balances these moments by packing the stage with movement, visual eccentricities and surreal flourishes.
The musical performances are formidable. Stephen Costello makes a charismatic Riccardo, possessing both the vocal power and easy charm required of a man whose romantic recklessness sets the tragedy in motion. Elena Stikhina’s Amelia provides its emotional heart, her rich, expressive soprano making the character’s impossible position affecting. Elsewhere, Yulia Matochkina makes a wonderfully commanding Ulrica, while Rebeca Olvera’s Oscar brings a welcome brightness and agility to proceedings.
Holding everything together is Gianandrea Noseda and the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House. Verdi’s score moves between romance, comedy, menace and impending catastrophe, and Noseda allows each to breathe without sacrificing the momentum towards its inevitable conclusion.
Lavish, strange and magnificently performed, Verdi's A Masked Ball is precisely the kind of enormous theatrical spectacle the Edinburgh International Festival was made for.
Verdi’s A Masked Ball, Festival Theatre, 29 Aug, 7pm and 30 Aug, 2pm, tickets from £30