It was a last-minute decision that took me to the Barefoot Opera production of Rossini’s La Cenerentola on Saturday at the Rye Creative Centre … and what a great decision it was! All seats were taken at a performance which was a modern take on the the traditional story of Cinderella, complete with social media excess and sustainability oriented “re-used” costumes and set.
The (mostly) young cast produced a sublime combination of powerful singing, expressive acting and humour which drew the audience into the performance. Barefoot’s vision is to “utilise the power or music to inspire, empower and connect”, and the performance certainly did that. This was “opera in the round” and took place essentially surrounded by the audience, who almost became part of the production.
In the words of the e-programme: “Cinderella is a fairy tale, and in this production, we’re creating a fantasy world for the audience: no actual fireplace for Cinders – instead, a mysterious, colourful hoop. No ‘court’ or ‘household’, but a psychedelic wheel of fortune that seems to have a life of its own.
“Rossini’s musical style reinforces this sense: for example, his famous ‘crescendo’ effects and his many ‘frozen moments’ where all the characters react to a single piece of news in increasingly comic musical fantasy. Still, it’s a recognisably contemporary world. The prince is perhaps in line to inherit a huge international family business, but he has had an eye-opening gap year, and isn’t impressed with the corruption, the money making, the self-interest that surrounds him at ‘court’. Cinderella is trying to keep the planet tidy – she picks up and recycles bottles after her media-obsessed influencer sisters. The sisters aren’t ugly in looks but by nature as, with their appalling dad Don Magnifico, they clearly lust for online status, as he lusts after political preferment. The prince’s manservant Dandini is clearly his security detail, enjoying a bit of fun on his own – and on his boss’s – account.”
All of these diverse characters were portrayed with humour and enthusiasm – building on the traditional Rossini comic opera composition.
Barefoot Opera are based in St Leonards-on-Sea and are a clear example of the incredible talent that exists in our area and which we are fortunate enough to be able to appreciate in Rye.
The standing ovation at the end simply confirmed the quality of the evening’s entertainment.
Image Credits: Peter Connock , Janet Hodgson (Barefoot Opera) , Chris Parker .