Photos by Khalid al Busaidi
Children of all ages were treated to a rare experience last weekend as the Royal Opera House Musical Arts presented a contemporary re-imagining of the 12th-century legend of “Robin Hood,” performed by the Petruzzelli Theatre Foundation Bari, Italy. Billed as ‘a family opera in one act by Michele Dall'Ongaro,’ this new ROHM interpretation is a remake of the original May 2023 première in Bari. Designed to captivate, especially for children, Dall'Ongaro’s accessible musical language draws from various Western musical styles, blending classical opera forms with lush, Romantic choruses and arias. The modest orchestra of twenty-six musicians, including a piano, was directed sensitively by world-renowned Maestro Pietro Mianiti throughout the hour-long performance.
Librettist Vincenzo de Vivo aimed to achieve a nostalgic, ‘Olde English’ feel in the text, inspired by historical sources like Dumas and Walter Scott, as well as familiar representations, including the 1938 Errol Flynn film. It was unique to hear a libretto sung in lyrical Italian about an English tale while following the archaic translation projected overhead.
In addition to public performances, the Education Outreach team invited students aged 8-14 from local schools, including those as far as Dakhiliyah and Sohar, for six matinée shows last week. This initiative aimed to engage students with live theatre, inspiring plans for a Drama Workshop at an international school in Muscat.
The production opened with a lively overture, rich in eclectic references. As the curtain rose, projections of dancing lights illustrated the chorus playfully dangling their legs. A vibrant atmosphere of quintessentially English May Day celebrations unfolded, featuring Morris dancers, Molly dancers, and Maypole artists creating an idyllic scene. Enormous puppets resembling a wild boar, sheep, and ox disguised Robin’s companions. Marcel Sijm’s direction often echoed elements of English Pantomime, including caricature and slapstick humour.
Amidst the festivities, Robin Hood emerged, splendidly portrayed by the youthful tenor Pierluigi D’Aloia. The scene began with Robin’s enchanting ballad, welcoming spring, accompanied by a hymn-like chorus of villagers. The 32-strong choir from the Petruzzelli Theatre Company played a vital role, both musically and narratively.
The formidable Friar Tuck was portrayed by Albanian baritone Gëzim Myshketa, while Simone Alberghini’s Sheriff of Nottingham added a comical spin, parodying a rogue on a child scooter. Robin and his merry men, dressed in green, were depicted as revolutionaries, delivering vibrant protest anthems.
Scene 2 transitioned effortlessly thanks to Giuseppe Pugliese’s lighting effects to Maid Marion’s dance studio in Nottingham Castle, where she practised with her gymnastics instructor. Armenian soprano Maria Sardaryan beautifully embodied Marion, singing a melodic aria filled with longing for Robin, mirrored in a duet with mezzo-soprano Loriana Castellano, who played the nurse. The Sheriff’s arrival introduced a comedic Opera Buffa Trio, showcasing Rossini’s influence.
The scene soon displayed a stunning emerald representation of Sherwood Forest, ingeniously created with thousands of green balloons. This element, designed by Sanne Danz, drew gasps from the audience. Blue lighting created an enchanted atmosphere as Robin and Marion reunited. In safety harnesses, the couple ascended on trapeze swings, delivering a captivating duet accompanied by a joyful trumpet solo from Massimiliano Campoli. Their romantic moment was interrupted by Little John, sung by tenor Roberto Covatta, with a warning of danger.
An intense Ambush Scene unfolded against an ominous backdrop of hanging nooses, as the Sheriff relished the idea of executing the outlaws, displayed through a parody of Prokofiev’s musical style. Just in time, a Deus ex Machina intervened, heralding a rousing Chorus of Liberation—a triumphant moment leading to King Richard the Lionheart’s grand entrance. Dressed dramatically in gold and pink feathers, he addressed the deceit in Nottingham, bringing the legendary tale to a powerful conclusion.
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