REVIEW:
Princess Ida
Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Victoria
Directed by Diana Hatch.
This mediaeval romp of love and war is regarded by many to contain the best music Sir Arthur Sullivan wrote for any of the comic operas. Sir William Gilbert's topical libretto, based on the work of Tennyson's "The Princess", tells of Ida, the daughter of an idiosyncratic King Gama, who prefers to shut herself up in a castle and establish a University for women than marry King Hildebrand's son, Hilarion, to whom she was betrothed at the age of one.
When Hilarion learns of Ida's alternative lifestyle he and two friends secret themselves into Castle Adamant where they disguise as female academics and become embroiled with the other women. Needless to say their male hormones stir them to ultimately blow their cover at which time the castle is attacked by Hildebrand's army bringing with them King Gama's three burly dumb sons as hostages. What follows is perhaps the first operatic striptease by a soldier in full armour, composed as a parody on Handel.
The beautiful songs and stirring chorus work in Princess Ida, combined with the extreme characters and situations, make for a show that has wide appeal.
Princess Ida is the first offering to be performed by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society at their new venue, The Alexander Theatre at Monash University, Clayton. Performances will be March 21, 22, 23 at 8pm, plus a matinee March 23 at 2pm.
Bookings: 9905 1111
-Article by Stage Whispers
Florian and Cyril
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