The Little Opera Company presents The Magic Flute: The Trials of Tamino and Pamina – an adaptation of the ever-popular Mozart opera done by Canadian John Greer.
“The thing about this production that I love is that it takes this beautiful story and this beautiful opera – because it’s really spectacular music – and puts it into this little package that’s totally engaging from start to finish,” says director Rob Herriot.
Set in a whimsical world of fantasy and magic, the English-sung, 90-minute abridged opera follows the journey of Prince Tamino as he embarks on a quest to rescue the beautiful princess Pamina from the clutches of the evil Sarastro.
“It’s something that anyone can relate to,” says Asitha Tennekoon about the challenges and adversity Tamino faces.
Making his Little Opera Company – and provincial – debut, the award-winning Sri Lankan tenor has performed from coast to coast, working with companies such as Opera Kelowna, Edmonton Opera, Opéra de Montréal and the Canadian Opera Company.
“(Tamino) is facing all these things he’s never faced before and trying to figure out who he is through that process,” says Tennekoon. “I think that’s something that we all, at different points in our life, go through as well.”
Winnipeg’s own Donnalynn Grills reprises the dual role of Third Lady/Third Spirit in this production, last done in 2008.
“I’m much more tired,” jokes the seasoned performer when asked how it feels to return to the role.
Though not titular characters, the Three Ladies/Three spirits are central to propelling the drama forward, says Grills.
“It’s really been enjoyable to do the journey again and to sort of realize over again just how important we are,” she says.
Echoing the earlier sentiment from Tennekoon, director Rob Herriot stresses that this is an opera about betterment.
“There is a sense of growth – human growth – the journey to enlightenment,” he says. “To be the better person, to search and strive and fall down and get back up.”
Winnipeg audiences have three opportunites to go on the journey presented by Little Opera Company: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24, with a matinee on Sunday at 2.
Performances take place at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People with tickets available online at: www.littleopera.ca
