'The Pearl Fishers' A French Opera with a Lankan touch
Ravi Perera
Lovers of theatre in our country have to endure long spells between
productions of a high standard. It is even more rarely that the local
Opera enthusiasts get treated to a world-class creation.
 These musical dramas with their highly dramatic stories, powerful
acting, colourful costumes, impressive backdrops and enthralling music
have built up a devoted following in almost all countries today. With
its rich combination of entertaining features, it is no surprise that
those who look for good value performances find the Opera, irresistible.
On January 9 and 11, Sri Lankan Opera enthusiasts will have an
opportunity to enjoy an internationally acclaimed production when the
French composer Georges Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers" go on boards at the
BMICH. For the local followers of the Opera there is another reason to
await the "The Pearl Fishers" eagerly.
It is in Ceylon, the tropical island, exotic and mysterious to the
Western eye, that Bizet the celebrated French composer placed his
dramatic story.
The composers versatility can be measured from the far a way setting
he chose when composing more than one hundred and forty years ago, in
mid-19th century, a story depicting love, jealousy, conflict and finally
redemption. Bizet also composed " Carmen" the famous Opera considered by
many critics as one of the best ever.
In the era when Gods walked among men, on a stunningly beautiful
beach somewhere in Sri Lanka, fishermen were preparing and celebrating
the coming season of fishing.
Their leader is the powerful Zerga. His friend Nadir the hunter joins
them and participates in their festivities. The two friends reminisce
and their minds go to a day, years before, when at the Brahmin Temple in
Kandy their eyes fell on a stunning young woman.
Both men fall instantly in love with the sensuous beauty. But since
only one can win her, in order that they remain friends, both take a vow
not to pursue their hearts desire.
Then a boat arrives on the beach with Nourabad, the high priest of
Brahma and a veiled virgin who will pray for the fishermen and is met
with flowers and cheers.
The woman swears an oath of virginity and is warned of dire
consequences if she breaches the oath. However Nadir recognises the
veiled woman as Leila the one who had once captivated them at the
Brahmin Temple in Kandy.
Still in love with her, Nadir the hunter sings his song of love.
While praying for the fishermen from a lonely rock Leila hears her
lover's call......
The dramatic developments that follow are grippingly portrayed in The
Pearl Fishers. This particular production is a result of an Indo- French
collaboration and boasts a truly international cast. For our
long-suffering theatre lovers this is an opportunity not to be missed! |
