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SINGAPORE - What happens when Mozart meets African maestros? You get classic opera The Magic Flute given a joyous, free-spirited and refreshing re-interpretation.
The presentation of the much loved opera about true lovers who need to overcome a series of magical ordeals before they can be together, is set to thrill audiences at the Singapore Arts Festival this year with its setting in an African township.
It comes complete with colourful costumes and a score that has been adapted for African instruments like marimbas and steel drums that has even won over die-hard purists with its energy and charm.
According to Director Mark Dornford-May it was not hard to decide on Mozart's Magic Flute of all the different classical works by Mozart as the fundamental elements in 'The Magic Flute' are closely related to the fragmented social background of South Africa.
"The thing about The Magic Flute is about reconciliation and forgiveness. At the moment (in South Africa), that's a very important message," said director Donford-May.
One of the leads in the opera is Pauline Malefane, who plays The Queen of the Night.
The idea of an 'Africanised' opera by Mozart had her initially luke-warm at the project.
"I've seen quite a few Magic Flutes but the story didn't actually appeal to me. It looked like a fairytale which didn't really make sense and I didn't relate to it, but I've loved the music," she said.
What prompted the change of heart was most likely the new sounds produced on African instruments that would have the European musical genius tickled pink if he were alive.
"It is the first musical (among other versions of The Magic Flute) to be performed this way" said Dornford-May.
"(When)we played every single note Mozart wrote, it gives of a completely different sound on the marimba. It is extraordinary."
With marimbas and steel drums replacing the piccolo and tympani, it's little wonder that the 28-30 May performance at the Victoria Theatre has been sold out.
According to Malefane, any pure opera buff will appreciate the efforts in 'breathing new life' into the opera.
"For many years, it has been done and performed in the same way. But now, there some fresh air into it and even the purists will have to say it's fun," she said.
While the performance will be fun, Donford pointed out that the work of art is still given its due respect.
"We treat it (The Magic Flute) with respect and it isn't like we thrown it away. We are actually dealing with the way Mozart wrote it just a different interpretation coming from a different culture," he said.
"Furthermore, the original setting of the opera is in Egypt, so in that sense moving down a big further south isn't such a big leap," he joked.
As Dornford puts it, the presentation is "the best piece of music in the world, without any doubt."
- CNA/fa
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