Flying in from the Netherlands as part of Valletta 2018, this is a story that’s more relevant than ever.
I have to admit: Giuseppi Verdi’s world famous masterpiece Aida doesn’t exactly tell a happy tale – and the Dutch Opera Spanga’s upcoming retelling doesn’t promise much sweetness and light either.
But it certainly is topical. “At its core, this opera is all about war and slavery, and the struggle between the state and church,” says director Corina van Eijk. “You could place it very easily right here in 2018 – so that’s exactly what we’re doing and it fits right in. Unfortunately, everything that’s happening in this opera is happening right now, so it’s a cautionary tale.”
But it will be a cautionary tale with plenty of beauty thrown in – and it certainly isn’t every day that an international opera of this calibre comes to Malta. Aside from Verdi’s incredible soundtrack, this production will have costumes designed by award-winning Dutch/Maltese duo Charles & Ron, with the support of over 200 MCAST students who are helping with everything from lighting to set design. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra – Malta’s national orchestra – will play live, while the setting will be the open-air theatre Pjazza Teatru Rjal, on Valletta’s main thoroughfare Republic Street.
The opera itself – which is selling out fast – is currently being rehearsed in the leafy Dutch town of Spanga in the province of Friesland, in the Netherlands. There, Maltese soprano Francesca Aquilina has joined the Dutch cast, and they will present performances in July and August as part of Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018 – the other European Capital of Culture for this year. Then, a month later, the show will transfer to Malta for two nights only on 13th and 15th September. It is considered to be on one of the highlights of the ECoC 2018 Cultural Programme, both in Malta and Leeuwarden.
“Opera Spranga could be called a gypsy of the opera world,” continues Corina, who has previously worked in Malta on other operatic projects. “As its founder, I consider it my ‘big toy’ and I enjoy everything about it – especially as there’s no one whispering in my ear and telling me what to do! For me, opera is never just about beautiful singing but about the expression of the text, which is something I believe sets us apart.
Corina van Eijk
“As for this production, well, if you love music then you should come along – and you won’t be disappointed! But this show is about the story, and it’s not a very happy one. In fact it’s a tragedy from start to finish. That said, if you believe in the afterlife and the fact that Aida finds happiness at the end, then you may leave the theatre a little uplifted! As for my own hope… I would love it if our audiences leave with the realisation that war is out-dated,” Corina adds.
Opera Spranga’s Aida will be performed at Pjazza Teatru Rjal on 13th and 15th September as part of the Valletta 18 programme. Tickets are available from www.showshappening.com