Sunday 24 February 2013

the trees sigh like a harp

It's been quite a busy week for us both but we've still tried to make the most of the film festival's offerings. I only caught a few pictures (including one which most of our friends found awful yet I found hilarious-Springbreakers) but Hanna's got about and taken in a lot more than me, so she'll probably write up a few things soon.

So instead, I'm going to talk about what I did on Saturday night-I went to see my first opera. Scottish Opera's new production of Werther was on at the Theatre Royal (the opera is based on Goethe's novel) It is "testament to the destructive power of obsessive love" and being a right girl when it comes to that sort of thing, I was anticipating an emotional evening. The performers were incredible (I was in awe at their voices. They manage to sound so pure and delicate yet powerful too) and the orchestra was tremendous. I'm a bit of a simpleton when it comes to classical music and such so my opinion might not count for much, but nonetheless I was blown away.
The set design was quite pared down but perfect. Snow falls, illuminated by lamplight, and provides the loveliest backdrop for the misery that unfolds. Although Werther and Charlotte are only seen together once before he proclaims his undying love for her, you really believe their story and the pain they go through as the story progresses. He is exiled from Charlotte and plumbs the depth of despair. Meanwhile she is driven to the brink of madness as her familial duties are at odds with her heart.

I won't go on and spoil the ending for anyone who's going to see it. Apparently it was originally turned down as a production in the 19th century for being too serious a scenario, and I can see where they were coming from (it's by no means light-hearted)

It runs for another month so I'd highly recommend going along if a beautiful but heartbreaking love story sounds like your cup of tea!

Natalie xX

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