Based on a Greek myth, Henry Purcell's original opera "Dido and Aeneas" recounts the story Dido and her despair that ultimately leads to self-devastation. On learning that Aeneas has readied to obey Jove's command to set sail to Italy, Dido pines away with grief in front of her sister Belinda and her handmaiden.
In the production by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and NUNi director Pattarasuda Anuman Rajadhon lived up to the company name and came up with an alternative interpretation. The prologue of the opera incorporated a section from Purcell's semi-opera "King Arthur", in which the chorus praises love's beauty. The libretto "No joys are above the pleasure of love" that was hauntingly repeated several time served as poignant ironic criticism as the story progressed towards Dido's demise.
Thailand's foremost baritone Saran Suebstantiwongse played Aeneas with a strong stage presence, but did not sound as impressive as I remembered him from other productions. It turned out to be Jonathan Truslow who, once again, stole NUNi's show with his credible acting and commendable singing in the role of the Sorcerer, both when he camouflaged himself amongst the townspeople and at the timeof leading his minions in their wicked shenanigans.
What I liked most about this production was how opera, an art form usually associated with evening gowns and houses of lush red seats and golden decor, was made an intimate, accessible experience. A screen painted in shades of cream and red was placed at the front of the stage to make the hall seem even smaller, and most of the actions took place on the space right before the first row.
The performers also had multiple entrance and exit channels, so they could surround the audience with their presence and sounds from different directions as they moved to the central performance area. They performed in front of, behind and amidst the seats, as well as on the balcony, giving viewers a fuller theatre experience for the night.
This collaboration by BSO and NUNi made me realise that anyone can enjoy opera as long as the appreciation for music is there.