THE MAGIC FLUTE

Bergen Nasjonale Opera / Grieghallen, Bergen, Norway / 5th – 11th Nov 2022

– Simon McBurney’s “The Magic Flute” is the best production I’ve ever witnessed of Mozart’s last opera, and the perfect introduction for a ‘Magic Flute’ virgin. (Wall Street Journal). In Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute,” Prince Tamino is rescued from a serpent by three women serving the Queen of the Night, who then shows him a picture of her daughter Pamina, making him fall in love with her; he sets out to rescue her from the evil sorcerer Sarastro, aided by the bird-catcher Papageno, and armed with a magical flute that helps them overcome trials to ultimately find love and enlightenment; the opera explores themes of good versus evil, with the Queen of the Night representing chaos and Sarastro representing wisdom, all through fantastical elements and Masonic symbolism.

I was tasked by the video designer, Finn Ross, to ensure the revival in Bergen adhered to the standards as produced before in the UK. This translated into working closely with the revival director and well as the local technical team to make the content translate well for the new settings in Bergen.