The Sea

The Sea is a deeply evocative performance with melodic and dramatic music that sweeps over the audience. The staging of this performance immerses the audience in the music and the vocals in interesting and dynamic ways. This is an opera that directly addresses difficult themes and explores notions of coercion, corruption, and seduction. This is conveyed by a range of melodies that begin gently but build to more intense tones and sounds. The interesting and engaging use of costuming and stylised movement emphasise ideas such as abuse of power inherent in the libretto.  

The staging of the five scenes is approached in an innovative manner. The prelude sees a clever use of the space placing the singers adjacent to the stage and exploiting the venue to create a haunting introduction to this new piece of opera. This original composition is beautifully executed by an ensemble of performers; Aleise Bright (Soprano), Amanda Windred (Soprano), S0daWater (Countertenor) Daniel Szesiong Todd (Tenor), Archie Rumsam (Baritone), and Henry Shaw (Bass-Baritone). Their stunning voices beautifully infiltrate the space in a beguiling and absorbing manner. 

The musicians are placed in a unique position in relation to the audience and the performers and this creates exceptional orchestral sounds. Kim Tan (Flute), Ryan Lynch (Clarinet), Jasmin Buell (Recorder), Phoebe Smithies (Horn), Trea Hindley (Trombone), Phillipa Safey (Keyboard), Alex MacDonald (Viola), and Ian Crossfield (Double Bass) surround the audience and effectively envelop the entire performance.

The Sea is a highly atmospheric opera that moves the audience through its fervent composition and unique staging.

Patricia Di Risio