When a giant sphinx and pyramids appeared on Hong Kong’s skyline for a spectacular production of Verdi’s opera Aida in 1991
- The Post had its tongue firmly in its cheek, reporting on the elite mingling with opera buffs and Rugby Sevens fans
- The outdoor production had a 36,000 sq ft set and a 16-metre-tall sphinx and cost HK$50 million at the time
“Hongkong’s already glamorous skyline will boast a sphinx and several pyramids this year when the world’s most spectacular opera production comes to town,” heralded the South China Morning Post on August 10, 1991.
“The $50 million production of Verdi’s Aida – the opera set in exotic ancient Egypt […] with a massive 36,000-square-foot set, which includes a 16-metre-tall replica of the Egyptian sphinx and pyramids, will have to be staged outdoors.
“Tickets will be spectacularly priced but are sure to be snapped up both by Hongkong’s genuine opera buffs and those people who like to be seen in the right place at the right time.”
On November 6, “with Aida just a couple of days away, its organisers got the incense out and had a good old Hongkong bai sun ceremony”, reported the Post. “The site was blessed in the presence of soloists Leona Mitchell and Marie Robinson.
“Or, in other words, a traditional Chinese ceremony in this British territory was carried out in mock ancient Egyptian surrounds upon which there will be staged an Italian opera performed by two renowned Americans.”
On opening night, November 8, “Wealthy opera buffs in evening dress were forced to abandon their chauffeur-driven limousines and walk to the Stanley Ho Sports Centre after traffic snarl-ups left cars backed up in all directions.”
