Encore to Mumbai opera

With its majestic blend of Baroque and Indian styles of architecture, the Royal Opera House caught the eye nestled among the plain office buildings and residences of Girgaum even before it was restored to its former magnificence by architect Abha Narain Lambah. The first show in the renovated Opera House in October last year was a concert by Mumbai-born British soprano Patricia Rozario, who has since done several shows at the venue since then. So, it seems only fitting that the singer is one of the main forces behind the first opera to be staged at this iconic venue since it’s reopening.

This particular opera — Matrimonio Segreto (The Secret Marriage) — is especially close to Patricia’s heart, since the first time she performed it was for Princess Diana in London. “This opera is an amazing and humorous take on marriage, it covers several aspects that revolve around weddings and marriages and ends on a happy note, unlike many opera shows. The first time it was staged in the late 18th century. At the first show, the audience enjoyed the performance so much that after the feast, the players were asked to perform it again. I’m hoping for an equally positive reaction here, though I don’t think we can perform it twice,” laughs Patricia, who is one of the music directors for the production. 

Unlike previous opera productions in Mumbai, which were composed of foreign cast members, this show will have an almost fully Indian cast. “There are some expats as well, whom I got along from London. But most of them are from different parts of India — Mumbai, of course, but also Delhi, Goa, Coimbatore and other cities. All of them are my students. The main cast members are just more senior than the others,” she explains.

The students she speaks about are mostly from her project, Giving Voice to India, an initiative through which she and her husband Mark Troop attempt to bring the art of western singing and opera to India. An essential skill taught during these classes is singing in languages like German, French and Italian. “This particular opera is in Italian. We will be having surtitles above the stage so that the audience knows what’s happening,” says Rozario.

It’s been quite a  task learning lines by heart for a play that’s in a foreign language, says Johnson, who is playing one of the lead characters in the play. “I play the role of the father in the play and I’m quite the dominating Scrooge type of character. Patricia is my mentor and when she asked me to be a part of this, I jumped at the chance. Though I’m quite experienced in theatre acting, opera is new for me. I’ve also had a lot of trouble with the language, but I’m spending almost all day with the play, both at rehearsals and after hours, so hopefully, by the time opening day comes around, I’ll be ready,” he says.

Not only is Johnson looking forward to the opera with a mix of trepidation and excitement, it is also the venue itself that has the theatre actor psyched. “When I heard that the Opera House had opened again, I thought off-handedly that it would be great to perform on that stage once in my life. And now, it’s not even been a year and that dream is already about to come true,” he smiles.

Another musical talent who has come on board, especially to conduct the programme is Maria Badstue. Born in Mumbai, and brought up in Denmark, the music conductor is glad to be back in town for the first time since she left for foreign shores. “Mumbai is a special city for me since I was born here, then adopted at the age of five months, and taken to Denmark. I haven’t been back since. To return with classical music makes complete sense, and I am excited as well as a bit scared about this journey,” she says.

Rehearsals for the play are on in full force, says Maria, who hopes that a country as diverse and rich in culture as India will open its arms to opera, and its potential for western music.

On July 27, 7 pm onwards, At the Royal Opera House, Girgaon