Until recently, my one and only operatic encounter was limited to an amateur performance of The Mikado at the local theatre–cinema–town hall–dance school, in a country town on the Granite Belt. My six-year-old self proceeded to then tell my schoolmates how I had been to see The Avocado, and couldn’t quite grasp where the vegetable connotation came into play within a Japanese village. This weekend, I was lucky enough to expand my opera experience at the opening night of The Elixir of Love, presented by Opera Queensland. All of my preconceptions of opera were totally blown away. For two acts I was transfixed by a powerful, funny and talented display of amorous escapades, uniquely set in the Australian Outback. Just as Puck plays with fate in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, so does the lovesick Nemorino in Donizetti’s comedic tale, by procuring a love potion to woo his girl, the flirtatiously nonchalant Adina. The Italian opera is seamlessly complemented by an Australian-centric set, which conjures up romantic notions of endless red dust, Hugh Jackman, and grand homesteads. Throw in a cocky soldier, a faithful corrugated-iron dog, and millinery to rival My Fair Lady, and both seasoned patrons and first-time Opera goers are in for a special treat.
