OUR DARK SIDE AND THE MOON: A NIGHT-TIME DUET (8bit/Royal Opera)****

  

By Dave

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJfbSr2XIvA 

Available until: 30^th May

Our Dark Side and the Moon is part of the Royal Opera’s 8bit series of newly-commissioned vocal and dance pieces that can be enjoyed for free online. The aim of the series is to push the boundaries of opera and ballet and this one is inspired by the Moon and Mars landings.

It is advised that you watch this one either outside or by an open window at night time with headphones on, ideally on a night that isn’t overcast (if British weather cooperates – no guarantees there!) so you can see the moon. The result is an immersive and haunting experience, looking out into the night sky and listening to John Barber’s glorious music.

The atmosphere of the piece, with Christopher Willis’ nuanced conducting of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Nazan Fikret’s sublime singing and the spoken voice of Elayce Ismail, who also wrote the libretto, creates an experience which is eerie and mysterious, very exciting to be part of, and unlike any other operatic experience I’ve had before.

I first got to know Nazan as a performer when she was still a student but was playing the role of Flora in The Turn of the Screw at English National Opera. It was an exceptional performance, easily on the same level as the more experienced singers and I’m thrilled she’s lived up to her potential. She is an incredible interpreter of music and she gives the more challenging modern works such as Our Dark Side and the Moon so much meaning, character and clarity, as well as having a very beautiful voice.

Another blogger watched this piece indoors, in daylight, without headphones. Not to be stubborn, just to be comfortable and also to determine whether the piece is still successful. They confirm it still works really well. It’s probably not quite so immersive and all-consuming (which is an experience not everyone would enjoy anyway so it’s great to have the choice) but it is still a beautiful and atmospheric opera with excellent sound quality which enables you to imagine being on the moon.

So if you don’t have headphones, you only have one device which you don’t fancy carrying outside, you’re wary of being out alone at night or it’s just tipping down with rain, just watch it in whatever way seems comfortable. You might have a slightly different experience but I don’t think you’ll enjoy it any less.