My First Opera Experience: Aida!

On Friday evening, I got guzzied up and attended the opera "Aida" at the Cairo Opera House with a friend. While I had attended several events at the opera house, I had actually never attended an opera there. In fact, this was my FIRST opera experience EVER. Ironically, the backdrop of my first opera was set in Egypt, where I just happened to live... so needless to say, it was a memorable experience for me.



We arrived there a little early with the intention of touring the Ministry of Egyptian Modern Arts building, which shared the manicured compound of the Cairo Opera House. I had wanted to see the art work inside, but it was not meant to be that evening because it was closed by the time we arrived. I did admire the tower-like minaret behind it. At night it lit up brightly like a bejeweled Christmas tree. It was truly beautiful! During prayers, the minaret is one of many that amplifies chants from the Qur'an (Islamic Holy Book) that is heard widely throughout Cairo.



We spent the remaining time walking leisurely on the well-kept lawn, and admiring the exhibited art work.







And then we hurried to the opera house across the way to find our seats!





Overall, Aida was fantastic! The pharoanic costumes and set designs were brilliant, and the singing was superb as it swept the audience through 4 dramatic acts. In true operatic fashion, "Aida" was sung in Italian, but I was able to follow it fairly well. Thankfully, I read the storyline beforehand! "Aida" was an ill-fated love story set in ancient Egypt about a pharoanic military commander and a captured Ethiopian slave girl. Unbeknownst to the military commander and pharoah (Egyptian king), the slave girl Aida was the daughter of the king of Ethiopia who was warring against Egypt. Events became more dramatic when pharoah promised his own daughter's hand in marriage to the military commander. Already in love with Aida, who returned his love passionately, he betrayed his country by helping her escape. He eventually was captured and sealed in a vaulted tomb alive. Thinking that Aida was safely back with her father, he was surprised to discover that she had hidden herself in the tomb to die with him. The opera ended with the lovers dying in each other's embrace amid operatic arias and intense orchestral music. Truly a powerful ending!

Attending the Carmen Ballet

Tonight I attended a Spanish dance company's (Antonio Gades) performance of Carmen. Ironically, Carmen is ranked as the fourth most performed opera in America, but this particular interpretation focused on the dance.

The story is about a wanton, fiery tempered gypsy named Carmen, who freely gives her love in the backdrop of Seville, Spain circa 1830. She woos a young soldier named Don José away from his current love. Smitten with the alluring gypsy, he incites a mutiny against his military superior, and joins a gang of smugglers. When Carmen grows tired of Don Jose' and shifts her attention to a handsome bullfighter named Escamillo, Don Jose' murders Carmen in a jealous rage.

The energy of the performance was palpable as the Spanish Co. performed Flamenco dances with quick footed ease and energetic hand clapping. The performance was NOT a ballet. It was "Lord of the Dance" meets Flamenco. However, it was entertaining and culturally enriching. In the background, Spanish acoustic guitars were strummed with crescendoed fervor, and there was even singing! It was minimal at best, but was intermixed during the climatic build up of Flamenco foot stomping. Did I enjoy the performance? Yes. Did I love it? Well, let's just say that the operatic version would have been better. As I filed out of the Opera House, I admired the water fountain in the outer lobby that was still adorned in holiday cheer. I found it pleasantly uplifting and for some reason prompted me to hum the theme song as I headed out the door. Hmnn mmmn hmnnn mmnnnn......

Double the Feature, Double the Fun!

I headed to the mall early this morning to watch "Avatar" in 3D. But curses, my plans were foiled when the film projector in the theater room broke down, and the manager had the unfortunate task of telling a packed audience to exit and get their money refunded. I left and exchanged my ticket for "Sherlock Holmes".

Guy Ritchie, Madonna's soon-to-be ex, directed this cutting edge tongue in cheek period caper about the legendary detective and his faithful side kick. Robert Downey, Jr. plays Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law plays Dr. Watson, a brilliant pair with rapier wit, and astounding deductive reasoning. The chemistry between these two men were superb, and Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Sherlock's nemesis/love interest, was the perfect trimming to the story. It was action packed. Superbly acted. Funny. AWESOME!

When the movie let out, I noticed that the line to the "Avatar" window was forming again. Quickly, I confirmed that "Avatar" was showing, purchased a ticket, and then made a bee-line to the designated theater.

The movie was without a doubt spelling binding, cinematically beautiful, and action packed. The colors were phenomenal, and the story lines sweeping. A "Fern Gully" meets "Transformers" with romance. The CGI specials effects were incredible and the inclusion of 3-D effects made it even more incredible. Both movies are a definite must see! TWO THUMBS UP!

As I left the theater, I admired the giant Christmas tree underneath a suspended Santa Clause and 8 tiny reindeers that decorated the mall's central courtyard. These Christmas decorations are anomalies in an Islamic country, and were evidence of the power of commercialism. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas on Earth as it is in Heaven....

Uh-Oh, Kids, There May Be A Santa Delay!