‘Tis Pity

I have been a big fan of Victorian Opera for many years now. Their programs are innovative, often breaking new ground and are always cast from strength.

Such was the case with ‘Tis Pity, an operatic fantasia/song cycle on the world’s oldest profession. This included ten vignettes moving through the ages. International cabaret star, Meow Meow, was at the peak of her powers. Her voice was unfailingly beautiful whether soaring in the stratosphere or plumbing the depths. She moved beautifully and was always expressive.

Her partner in crime was Australia’s favourite comic tenor, Kanen Breen. His voice was clean and strong and his expressive face a delight. The two worked very well together. There were three male dancers who added to action at various times.

The music was very listenable and Orchestra Victoria was in fine form. The simple set included a set of stairs in the middle with a couple of beds at the side.

Unfortunately, most of the words were lost, so that I had no idea of what was going on, and missed most of the jokes, assuming there were some. The program had no details about the various sections and there were no surtitles. With some vignettes sung in French and German (I think) this was a major problem.

There were a couple of screens at the back which depicted key phrases at various times, but not enough to follow the plot. Occasionally passages were accompanied by just the piano, and words could be heard. At others the brass let fly and you had to watch to see if someone was singing.

Hopefully they can add surtitles to enhance what was a very entertaining evening.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Karl Giant