The Magic Flute

Opera Australia made a triumphant return to Brisbane last night with Julie Taymor’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute.

Originally conceived for the Metropolitan Opera New York, it was a bold concept that put the magic back into the work that has been around since 1791. Taymor’s hand was evident at every turn, from her striking costume and puppet designs to her fluid direction which has been recreated, along with Mark Denby’s original choreography, for Opera Australia by Mathew Barclay.

Taymor’s vision was also matched by the futuristic chrome and plastic set designs of George Tsypin, which dominated the stage and dwarfed the singers.

The cast also rose to the occasion with outstanding performances from Stephen Smith (Tamino), Taryn Fiebig (Pamina) and David Parkin (Sarastro). In a class of her own was Milica Illic’s icy but thrilling Queen of the Night. Kanen Breen was an outrageously lascivious Monostros, but it was Andrew Jones with his slightly “ocker” characterization of Papageno, the birdman, who was the obvious audience favorite.

Although J.D. McClatchy’s English translation simplified the plot it lacked wit. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra under Anthony Legge performed with skill. Bravo to Lyndon Terracini for bringing Opera Australia back to Queeensland after two decades, and bravo for delivering such an innovative production.

Peter Pinne      

Images: The Magic Flute - Milica Ilic as Queen of the Night and Taryn Fiebig as Pamina & Andrew Jones as Papageno. Photographer: Justin Nicholas.