Produced and performed by Brisbane City Opera, the question is always how to bring opera to more people? Not just regular theatre goers, and conservatorium alumnae, but those who wouldn’t think first to choose an opera?

First, you need Joshua White as Colas the Soothsayer. Though in Mozart’s original version, Colas was an intelligent and insightful soothsayer – in BCO’s it’s even better. More the local village pervert, and con-man to boot.

Then, acquire yourself a scintillating duo – such as Kathryn O’Halloran and Naomi Flatman in the leading roles – the lovers. The folly of young love, the bravado of a young swaggering man and the stubbornness of a scorned woman can be beautiful – or something really easy to make fun off.

Throw in a chorus line to amplify the gags, pull off the punch lines and of course harmonize Mozart’s melodies and you have a palatable, educating and enjoyable opera.

But art isn’t a recipe – it’s a feeling. And BCO’s production of Bastien and Bastienne is full of feeling. Feelings of loss, of love, of laughter, and whatever feelings you might draw on when you think of sheep?

Applause must also go to Matthew Schwarz and his sextet of musicians for their performance of the libretto.

 

By Meredith McLean