Grand Illusions

If I were King,to be directed by Jean-Francois Vinciguerra,a French three act opera was written by 19th century composer Adolphe Adam in the summer of 1852. Originally set in Goa,the comic opera tells the story of a young fisherman,Zephoris,in love with an inaccessible princess,Nemea. By a stroke of luck,Zephoris becomes the king for a day and manages to declare his love for the feisty princess. “We chose the opera because it is set in India and the audience would relate to it well. The opera is based on tales of travellers in that era and is highly imaginative,but the funny part is that the composer,Adam,had never travelled to India,” chuckles Antoine Redon,executive producer of the opera. Incidentally,the opera hasn’t been performed in France for 20 years.

For the seven students from the KM Music Conservatory,performing in an opera is a first for them. “Although they have given concerts before,it is going to be their first big performance in front of a large audience. We received the scores 10 days back and their French lessons have also kicked off recently. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to do an opera so early in their careers,” says Srinivas Krishnan,principal director,KM,and a close associate of Rahman.

Meanwhile,the action would unfold on a stage designed by Dominique Pichou. The lavish set will include a royal barge,a baroque throne and Zephoris’s hut,made of wooden board,with the words If I were King painted in white. The cast will be kitted out in outfits by Delhi-based designer duo Parvesh and Jai. In one scene,the king of Goa Moussol,would be seen playing golf in a white kurta and striped shorts while Princess Nemea,played by Aude Priya,Wacziarg’s daughter,will sport a sherwani over yellow jeans. “Opera doesn’t have to be about layers of tulle and silk,” says Parvesh,who has designed 300 outfits for the opera.

The opera will be held between January 12-15,2010 at Siri Fort auditorium. Contact: 4077-51774

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