Premium Content:

Review: The Riders

Scully (james clayton) adn Arthur (Wade Kernot)

The Riders | WA Opera | His Majesty’s Theatre | Until Sat 16th April |  ★ ★ ★

- Advertisement -

Unlike most opera ‘The Riders’ is a new work. Loosely based on a Tim Winton novel, it has an Australian identity, although all the action is based in Europe.

Unlike most opera it’s in English rather than French, German or Italian. It eschews the lavish sets and big casts of most works and delivers a crisp minimalist presentation.

The story follows Scully, a man working renovating his house in Ireland while waiting for his wife Jennifer and daughter Billie to arrive from Perth. When he gets to the airport only Billie is there. Scully begins searching for his wife travelling first to Greece, then to Italy and finally Paris.

The music was composted by Iain Grandage. Grandage has to be one Australia’s hardest working composers, he’s collaborated with everyone from Tim Minchin to Sinead O’Connor and Ben Folds. Last year he created ‘The Rabbits’ with Kate Miller-Heidke. The libretto was written by Alison Croggon.

The music is dramatic and lively, filled with suspense and a genuine feeling of anticipation.Yet, the vocal element of the work is flat and monotonous. Almost as if you were listening to different works simultaneously, two trains heading out of the station in different direction.

The cast work hard, James Clayton endears himself as Scully, and the role of daughter Billie is played on alternating nights by Rosanna Radici and Mia Beatie. On opening night Radici was flawless, and her sections were some of the most engaging of the performance.

Emma Pearson plays missing wife Jennifer, while Wade Kernot, Fiona Campbell and Mathew Lester play a variety of characters and a make up a three person chorus.

The stage is filled with workman’s trestles, they creatively hang from the air, the stage is filled with a blue light and the costuming is simple.

The performance were largely monochromatic. While there was a lot of emotion in the story, the delivery lacked the highs and lows that get can your heart racing.

The stylistic performance choice matched the staging, but it made for challenging viewing. In the warm surrounds of the crowded theatre, I found my attention waning.

While this production didn’t excite, I do love the idea that new operatic works can be made, and new stories can benefit from the art form.

Graeme Watson, mages: James Rogers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latest

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with...

On This Gay Day | Benjamin Britten was born in 1913

A central figure in music in the 20th century Britten composed well known operas, orchestral and vocal music.

Conservative group says Trump win renews hope of turning back same-sex marriage

Brian Brown from the International Organisation of the Family says he's hopeful the laws will be changed.
Old Lira. Delicious roman sourdough pizza since 2013.

Tasmanian government supports financial redress scheme for historical gay convictions

The move has been welcomed by local LGBTIQA+ rights groups.

Troye Sivan is the big winner at the ARIAs

Fresh from his Spilt Milk House Party show he picked up the top trophy for Album of the Year.

Pet Shop Boys reminded people of just how many hits they’ve had

Pet Shop Boys are having a career renaissance with their most recent album Nonetheless but this British duo has been pushing out hit after...