It was perhaps a poignant reminder.
That we live in a world where Skinny rules and Fatties have to suck in the adipose and accept that, however talented they may be, their svelte brethren will always take the louder applause.
I just got back from catching the Singapore Lyric Opera's interpretation of Puccini's Turandot at the Esplanade. It is perhaps their biggest and most opulent production to date, compared to Madama Butterfly (2005), Le Nozze di Figaro (2006), Il Barbiere di Siviglia (2007) and La Traviata (2008).
Of course everyone was there for more or less one Aria, the dramatic tenor of Calaf's Nessun Dorma in Act III, Scene I. And although China-born Tao Weilong's Calaf was certainly not disappointing, the late Luciano P. would be pleased to know that he alone holds the key to what must be the most hummable operatic tune to date.
But back to the Fatty issue.
Two sopranos were slated to take the starring role of Princess Turandot, each alternating for every evenings' performance. I suppose those high notes really take a toil on your vocal chords. We got Kim Young-Ae, a Voice major of the Seoul National University. Young-Ae sings beautifully and she has performed the role of Turandot to critical acclaim extensively. Unfortunately, she came across more like a Queen than a Princess. A Princess whose hand in marriage Princes the world over have come to ask with much trepidation.
Young-Ae, you see, is more Lard than Lithe. My partner remarked that perhaps her size gave her a bigger diaphragm and lungs to hit those high notes (alot of good singers are on the big side, consider most recently Paul Potts, who incidentally has a popular rendition of Nessun Dorma as well). But I was too distracted by the Baby Elephant on stage, and I still wonder why SLO Director Lo King-man chose to have such a fatty play a icy-cold and desirable Princess. It certainly spoilt it for me, Big Time (no pun intended!).
So when the opera came to an end, and the cast took turns, one by one, to stand at the edge of the stage to receive the Clapped Accolades from the audience, the loudest applause and Bravos were reserved for pretty and petite Filipina, Rachelle Gerodias instead. Rachelle having played the role of Liu, the young slave girl secretly in love with Calaf.
I felt bad for Young-Ae afterwards. But someone please tell her to take out the Ex-cess before becoming a Prin-cess.
Otherwise, an excellent evening out at the Theatre.
Labels: Theatre