Fatboy Tom Takes in Aida

Yes, Fatboy went to the Cincinnati Opera last evening to see Verdi’s Aida. In short, it was an amazing experience on many levels. I am still trying to digest everything from last night’s production. First, the entire performance with four acts and three intermissions lasted about 4 hours and half when you include the standing ovation and multiple curtain calls at the end.

Giuseppe Verdi knew how to put together a show, as Samuel Goldman would say. I am a neophyte and rube in terms of knowing and fully appreciating high culture, particularly opera. As someone who likes to cook and eat, Aida is the Thanksgiving Dinner of Grand Opera. If you are willing to open yourself up to the whole experience, you really need to loosen your belt so that you can breathe again. Aida is incredibly delicious and very filling. After four and half hours, you can't take anymore!

It is grandiose, bombastic, and rich with lots of whole cream and sweet butter. My arteries were clogged with arias, incredible orchestral sounds, choruses, over the top costumes, wild animals, and staging than rivals a Siegfried and Roy show in Las Vegas. I will be digesting it for a long time.

Although I am not worthy to evaluate the tonal qualities of all the performances, I must admit that I was completely enthralled with American soprano Lisa Daltirus who played Aida. Although her voice was not as powerful as others, her emotionality and passion created a remarkable and nuanced performance. I felt her despair and growing hopelessness as the Opera progressed.

Set in an idealized time in the land of Pharaohs, obelisks and happy slaves, Aida’s message continues to be very relevant today. Aida had to choose between her personal passions and the obligations she had to her father and country. Her dilemma is compounded because she is a slave beholden to the Pharaoh’s daughter. Aida was confronted with existential choices that overwhelmed her.

As a contemporary African American women, Lisa Daltirus, must negotiate through a world that struggles with the artifacts of oppression and racism. The parallels between Aida’s and Lisa’s choices are profound.

Great tragedies are often simple narratives with protagonists that are confronted with life changing choices. The narratives are incidental. It’s the choices played out in front of us by the singers and through the music that makes Opera such a great art form. Even Fatboy can find an artistic performance transcendent and timeless.

I was part of an audience of black, brown and white faces, young and old ticket holders, and Opera junkies and novices. I am a better person for attending Aida last night. Cincinnati is a better place for producing it.