Opera? Of Cors-et is!

Shaking off opera’s reputation for being filled with old fat people wearing wigs, this term’s performance of the Marriage of Figaro by the Heartstrings Opera Company looks to be significantly less rubbish than anyone might think.

Director/Actress Susannah Moody of St. Anne’s said to the Tab: “I wanted to take opera in a different direction to what people normally see in their heads when they think of it.

“I’ve loved opera since I was a child, and I want to find a way to help others see why.”

The new direction that the production of the Marriage of Figaro has taken is a significant and raunchier departure from the traditional image of opera, including cross-dressing, corsets and massive 30G bras.

We’re not really sure why this is necessary, but we aren’t about to complain either.

The Marriage of Figaro will be performed in two different venues, one performance in Pembroke Auditorium and in Camera (yes, we thought the same) on the 29th and 31st of January respectively.

The Tab was invited to one of the dress rehearsals for the production, and observed first hand as one of their young actress’ face was smeared with lipstick, and forced to wear oversized underwear, all in the name of “art”.

According to unsubstantiated rumour, over 35 minutes of the opera was cut for being in breach of UK indecency laws.

Producer Ruth Edmonds explained how many of the costumes were owned by the cast beforehand, although some had to be acquired from Oxfam.

She also mentioned how Hearstrings had to pay a whopping £500 for the rights to perform in English.

Tickets are on sale now, and look set to sell out soon – so don’t miss out!