BEFORE The Marriage of Figaro, I’d never been to an opera.
I’d never been inclined to go either. I’d heard all the usual comments, “long”, “in Italian” and “bourgeois”.
The Marriage of Figaro at the St James Theatre last week was all of these things, but it was fantastic.
At the lavish venue, you couldn’t help but be swept up in the excitement of the night.
The foyer was packed to the brim with beautifully dressed people sipping on wine and having a good chat.
The Italian ambassador, and the Argentine ambassador were there, as were families complete with bright-faced, dressed-to-the-nines children.
During my mingling, I sheepishly admitted to some that this was my first opera, and was told that The Marriage of Figaro was a great way to lose my opera virginity.
The “bing bong” noise indicated it was time to take our seats.
With its high ceilings and gold detail, the St James always makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to a bygone era, and a glimpse of the amazing Figaro set made this feeling more poignant.
A pair of the biggest wooden doors stood grandly onstage stretching from the theatre floor to the ceiling.
Whispers around me confirmed what I’d been thinking, “imagine what’s behind those doors”. They opened, and I was swept into the world of Figaro.
My fear of it being in Italian was realised, but dispelled when I noticed digital subtitle banners running across the top and at both sides of the stage.
I was glad I’d read the plot summary beforehand because the storyline was initially hard to follow while I got used to the grandiose acting and operatic tones.
Soon, I was drawn into the story.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the costuming and the set – If I’d known, I would have gone just to see those alone.
The large door would close and then open between scenes, revealing a completely new room each time, most with stunning circular windows.
One of these was used by the scandalous Cherubino to make his escape from the room of Countess Rosina before her Count husband discovered the boy.
The Marriage of Figaro is long at three hours. Half time was welcomed and by the end I’d sat long enough.
But it was such a great experience, I’d do it all again. The Marriage of Figaro turned me into an opera-convert. I hope I enjoy the next one as much.