Stage set for Bhutan’s first-ever opera
The stage is all set for the first-ever opera performance, Bhutan is to host. The event is bringing together 75 artists from around the world, including Bhutan.
On opening Act, which will be held at Royal Textile Academy counrtyard in Thimphu on coming Saturday, is based on ancient myth of Handle’s Acis and Galatea. It celebrates the conquest of compassion and goodness over anger, greed and ignorance.
The story revolves around two lovers, Galatea – a young, beautiful and compassionate river nymph and her lover, Acis – a shepherd from a local village. The conflict in the story arises when Pholyphemus – a Cyclops who is a member of a primordial race of giants, with a single eye in the middle of his forehead fall in love with Galatea.
The LIVE opera, according to the organizers, is nearly a decade of collaboration among the artists and other professionals from approximately 10 countries.
“It all began when Aaron Carpenè contacted Preston Scott to find out if opera had ever been staged in Bhutan,” reads an article on the website of the University of Texas at El Paso in the USA.
A press release from the Royal Textile Academy says the participating artists from outside began arriving in the country from September 24. They have been involved in the final rehearsal with the Bhutanese counterparts since then.
Source: BBS
