A Night at the Opera/Ballet

Back when David and Valerie first moved here, ahead of Mira and I, they got to go see a concert at the Opera House that was a rock/folk/indie/visual/musical extravaganza. They were blown away by it and were telling us back in Flagstaff all about it. Naturally, we were envious so David got tickets for all of us to go see a ballet. I was excited knowing we would get to go to a show at the Sydney Opera House, even if it was about nine months in the future. Well, the date came up and we went.

We had spent the day shopping in the city and came home to have a quick bite and a shower. It didn't take long to get dressed up because summer clothing is just so much easier. Sydney is a casual city where lots of different styles co-mingle, and the dress code (if any) is usually quite relaxed. But we decided it would be fun to dress up and it would be suited to the ballet of Romeo and Juliet. (Oh yes, I didn't mention, it was Romeo and Juliet! One of the greatest romantic stories ever told, and one of the most complex and interesting ballets). We were so glad we did, because everyone was in their chic and stylish finery. They weren't necessarily formally dressed, just done up in some creative or beautiful way. Before the show we stood in the lobby having drinks and snacks, and watching all the people filing up the stairs.

We had great seats in the first balcony, pretty much in the middle. We could see the orchestra in their pit, and we could see the whole stage perfectly. The angle of the seats is such that no one's head could obstruct our view. Valerie was sleepy before the show and was a little worried that she might have trouble staying awake, but from the opening notes, we were on the edge of our seats! I won't break down the whole show, but just let me say that the sets, the lighting, the music, the musicianship, the acoustics, the theatricality, the costumes, choreography, and dance, were SPECTACULAR. There were several big dance numbers where the whole cast was on stage and it was like watching a kaleidoscope. The choreography was a wonderful mix of classical and contemporary ballet that made the human body look like an amazing combination of art and machine. They were soft and malleable, solid and super strong at the same time.

The costumes in a few of the scenes left me breathless with my eyes popping out of my head. The costume designer was a Japanese-Australian man named Akira Isogawa, who used soft, flowy silks and organzas and made them look stiff with the shibori technique of multiple gatherings. HERE is a link to a photo in the Sydney Morning Herald to give you a better idea of what I mean. The caplets on the women are all done with shibori. I did wish that Juliet had been made more precious or stunning or something to help the audience feel more caught up in her plight. Her dresses were mostly plain and natural, I guess to give her an innocence and purity.

Romeo, in his white tights, white shibori blousy top, and supersoft white leather vest, managed to evoke a passion and charisma with his body, his energy, and his facial expressions. Of course, as Valerie said, Mercutio was the crowd favorite with his humor, charm, and loyalty.

At the end of the show, we spilled out onto the front steps of the Opera House and looked out over the harbour. The lights of the bridge and the city were sparkling. The sounds of music and laughter from the crowds having drinks and dinner along the quay in the open air cafes made me feel giddy. Yes, it sounds corny and overly romanticized. But I have to say, it was one of those moments where I just felt happy and thankful for my life and the beautiful things in it.