Review | Opera Hong Kong’s Aida dazzles with star performances but falters in staging and design
From lead to chorus, the performances in Aida are superb, but the production suffers from its more intimate approach and unusual costuming
Opera Hong Kong’s new Aida offered much to enjoy. It boasted outstanding singing and acting from internationally renowned artists in the leading roles, and the chorus had never sounded better, producing impressive power and clarity in some of Verdi’s greatest choruses.
Aida’s plot may be melodramatic, yet it is ultimately the story of individuals struggling with moral and emotional dilemmas as relevant today as when the opera was composed.
Enslaved by the Egyptians, Ethiopian princess Aida is in love with Radames, despite his being the leader of Egypt’s army, and he with her.
Her mistress, Amneris, the Pharaoh’s daughter, also loves Radames and becomes consumed with jealousy of Aida.
When Aida’s father, Amonasro, is captured in battle, she is faced with a terrible choice: either to betray her country or manipulate the man she loves into betraying his.