|
By
Simon Tavener
Bringing
an oratorio to life as a vivid piece of stage drama is a rare achievement,
particularly when the action is somewhat sporadic and the story
obscure. This revival of Theodora is a triumph which shows not only
the mastery of Handel as a composer but also the skill of Peter
Sellars in his recreation of this neglected work as a vibrant and
moving evening.
It
is a test of the quality of a company when they are forced, due
to illness, to announce the use of an understudy for a lead role.
The title role was taken by Vanessa Woodfine rather than the previously
announced Anne-Lise Sollied. The demands placed on the singers in
this production are intense - not only does the music require perfect
technique and delicate control, the movements are very carefully
choreographed and integrated fully into the action. Vanessa Woodfine
stepped seemlessly into the role and sang with clarity, purity and
sincere emotion.
Christine
Rise (Irene) was the most accomplished of the performers on the
stage. She was ardent, passionate yet tender and concerned. She
commanded the audience's attention and guided the performance musically
and emotionally.
The
other main principals were also impressive - Stephen Wallace, Henry
Waddington and Paul Nilon. They were clearly up to the technical
and dramatic challenges placed before them.
Special
praise must go to the Chorus. As ever they were the backbone of
the performance. Very much at home with the stylised movements demanded
by the production, they sang with their usual flair, compassion
and control.
It
was a privilege to see this revival as it is a demonstration that
combining a strong musical performance with a production that is
consistently thought-through can bring memorable results.
|
