ISC On Stage

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

The Marriage of Figaro by Jasmine

The Marriage of Figaro, a comical and playful story of a web of relationships surrounding a wedding, was presented beautifully by the Bulgarian State Opera Company. This was the first opera I had ever seen, and the experience is one I will never forget. The voices of the performers were astounding, and the actors and actresses were all very entertaining in their roles. The opera itself was a wonderfully written piece, and the music evoked moods and ideas that carried along the story line.

At first, I thought that the intricate story would be very confusing for me. However, as the show progressed I found myself understanding more and more the plot and the characters. The performers made it very simple and easy to follow through facial expressions, movements, and tone, and the subtitles helped a great deal! The sequence of events was especially entertaining, as the plot became ever more intricately twisted. Count Almavida performed perfectly the role of the high and mighty lord of the house, at times becoming angry and at times making tender apologies. The Countess had both a beautiful voice and expressed great emotion though moving songs. Susanna acted just as a young maid would – bubbly, charming, graceful, and kind. Figaro, though at times jealous, kept the story light hearted as well by using his wittiness to outsmart the count. Each of the actors and actresses presented their roles with great passion and professionalism, portraying the emotions the characters themselves were feeling.

Meeting with some members of the company after the show was also a great experience. Although language was a bit of a barrier, it did not obscure at all the passion that the artists had for the occupations they hold. A unique group of people traveling with an entire orchestra, the hardships and grueling hours that the actors and actresses endure give a testimony to their love for the arts. Their well-trained voices reach unbelievable notes, and hours of performing are not at all a daunting idea. Sitting in the audience, I was amazed by the way that their voices echoed. Their great skill, talent, and ability are demonstrated by their remarkable performance, and the ease with which they sing makes me wish I could do the same.

Though The Marriage of Figaro was the first opera I have been to, I hope that it will not be the last. The magical performance put on by the Bulgarian State Opera Company has placed in me a great love for the opera. The performers and their voices have left deep impressions on me, and I will no doubt continue to admire and support the arts. An elaborate and crowd-pleasing opera, The Marriage of Figaro presents themes of love and forgiveness while allowing the audience to appreciate the artistic value of Mozart’s works. Through this opera I have come to appreciate this distinctive form artistic expression, and I embrace it with all my heart.

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