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| The Cast of "The Magic Flute" (photo: Keith Pattison) |
With
its familiar overture suddenly performed as though never heard
before, with drums and marimbas, this version of Mozart's “Magic
Flute” was not the typical form of this deservedly popular
allegorical opera, here adapted and directed by Mark Dornford-May for
the Isango Ensemble of Cape Town. While the basic libretto and music
are essentially the same, the sound is not, making for a unique
reintroduction to Mozart’s magic. A production by Eric Abraham and
the Young Vic (which won the 2008 Olivier Award in London as Best
Musical Revival), this was a revelation. Told as a South African
Tsonga folk tale (titled Impempe Yomlingo
in the South African language of Xhosa),
it resonates with tropes familiar to such
folklore, from bird catchers to trial by fire and water.
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| The Queen of the Night in "The Magic Flute" (photo: Keith Pattison) |
With
a cast of some two dozen dancing singers (actually quadruple threats,
as actors and instrumentalists as well), it’s a revival in several
senses, especially in the Musical Direction by Paulina Malefane and
Mandisi Dyantyis and Choreography by Lungelo Ngamlana, something to
hear and see. With a raked Set Design by Dornford-May and Dan
Watkins, Lighting Design by Mannie Manim and Costume Design by Leigh
Bishop, this morality tale was given a whole new lease on life. If
you think you’ve seen the definitive “Magic Flute” sometime in
the past, think again. This was the “Magic Flute” of the present
and the future. It’s not unlike rediscovering the pleasures of
being in the company of an old friend, with suddenly renewed vim and
vigor filling the Cutler Majestic Theater as perhaps never since the
company's first visit with this production five seasons ago. The
ensemble is even more energetic, though some soloists in this current
production seemed out of their vocal comfort zone.
The
survival of this flautist continued through November 10th.
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