Left - (top-bottom) Andy King and Anthony Dean Griffey. Cover - The people of The Borough. Photos - James Rogers.A loner fisherman Peter Grimes, is cleared of murder of his apprentice by the court, but is ostracised by the villagers he lives amongst. The teacher Ellen offers to help look after a new apprentice and Grimes immediately puts him to work, believing that money will make the borough people like him.
So begins the Benjamin Britten opera Peter Grimes. A Co Production of Opera Australia, Houston Grand Opera, and WA Opera, this production as part of the Perth International Arts Festival is grand in scale and tragedy. Conducted by Richard Mills and directed by Neil Armfield, Peter Grimes is engaging, beautiful and haunting.
In 1942 whilst living in America, Britten discovered a poem by fellow Englishman George Crabbe. Entitled “The Borough”, Britten used it as the basis for his first full scale opera. His home village of Aldeburgh (located on the east coast of England) was also an inspiration and together with his personal and creative partner Peter Pears composed what is today considered one of his most popular and important works.
Designed by Ralph Myers, the set utilises the entire stage at His Majesty’s, turning it into a community hall complete with the old metal chairs and trestle tables. The four double doors on either side were used effectively for mass entrances and exits and surprisingly, the set worked well even when it was being used for a hut or an outside scene. The doors and windows set high in the side walls were used to great effect by Damien Cooper’s lighting design especially when showing the passage of time.
Composed of the best young musicians from around Australia, The Australian Youth Orchestra were first rate in their playing of Britten’s sparse orchestral music. The voice is definitely the key instrument in Peter Grimes. Many arias and chorus pieces were accompanied by only a few instruments or one alone.
The West Australian Opera Chorus was in their usual fine form, ably supporting the lead singers. Clothed in the drab outfits of rural pre war England (designed by Tess Schofield) the chorus were exemplary in their diction, emotion and characterisations.
The leads, all from Australia except Anthony Dean Griffey (USA), were excellent. Although I found the women hard to understand, it was more from the pitch and musicality rather than the singers themselves. Orla Boylan as Ellen was outstanding and brought fragility to the role that was (purposely) missing from the rest of the characters. Ellen was the softest character and Boylan was beautiful in the role.
Griffey is a two time Grammy award winner American tenor, renowned internationally for his portrayal of Peter Grimes. As the loner, outcast Grimes, Griffey is awe inspiring, bringing just the right of pathos and madness to the role. Grime’s final aria, sung almost completely without instruments, yanked at the heart strings and brought tears to my (and probably the rest of the audience’s) eyes.
This is a great start to the 2010 season of the WA Opera Company.
West Australian Opera and Perth International Arts Festival in association with Australian Youth Orchestra present
PETER GRIMES
by Benjamin Britten
Directed by Neil Armfield
Venue: His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth
Dates: February 9, 11 & 13, 2010
Duration: 3hr 10min including two intervals
Tickets: $152.50 - $37.50
Bookings: www.bocsticketing.com.au
A co-production of Opera Australia, Houston Grand Opera and West Australian Opera and Perth International Arts Festival