Our Magical World

-
In a mythical and magical kingdom...

A sublime romantic fairy tale that moves freely between earthy comedy and noble mysticism. Not only a magical fairy-tale story, but it's a multi-layered play full of fantasy, humor, and also a philosophy.

Story told in a Singspiel (song-play) format characterized by seperate musical numbers connected by dialogue and busy action, an excellent structure for navigating the diverse moods, which range from solemn to lighthearted of the story. Sang strongly in German with -thankfully- in english supertitles:)

And, the chorus successfully directed by German Marcus Baisch:


The archetypal journey of a young prince named Tamino and a fanciful birdcatcher named Papageno as they struggle to find what will make their hearts complete. The handsome Prince Tamino has fallen in love with an image of the beautiful Pamina. During his journey to find her, he encountered some mysterious characters: the evil Queen of the Night, some watchful guides, a lonely birdcatcher and the forbidding ruler wise Sarastro. Tamino's magic flute may help him, but his own strength was the key.

Look for those stunning gravings of the building below. Followed intrigue, laughter, and running through the hit parade of memorable melodies in this fairy tale here:


This playful but profound look at a man's search for love and his struggle to attain wisdom and virtue was to perform at the Süreyya Opera House last Saturday night:


Constructed in 1924 in the Asian district of Kadiköy on Bahariye Avenue (a.k.a. Süreyya Pasha) who was inspired by opera halls started functioning as an opera hall after a two-year of restoration and 80 year-wait. It's the oldest opera and ballet house on the Anatolian side, where I, too, reside in and the sixth in the City.

Inside? Oh gorgeous in one word! The House has a foyer inspired by the Théatre des Champs Elysées in Paris, and interior based on German architecture. Its ceiling, decorated so beautifully, lighted most effectively:


The Angels were with us while watching the story as universal as any fairy tale:


Everywhere inside was very attractive and imaginative.

The presentation and costumes were excellent and contributed to the overall effect:


... Will they rescue the princess that Tamino loves?
... Can they vanguish the vengeful plans of the evil Queen of the Night?
... And, can the priests and the powerful Sun God continue to rule the day?

This cosmic battle between good and evil was packed full of operatic and theatrical treats.


Tamino, Pamina, Sarastro, the evil Queen of the night and Papageno address and entertain not only us, but the viewers worldwide for over 200 years...

Filled with ritual and symbolism.

Magic and mystery joined with quirky humor.

A true masterpiece.

It was his last produced work for the stage:


Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) died prematurely, three months after the premiere of Die Zauberflöte (English: The Magic Flute). Mozart's stunning music and Schikaneder's insightful libretto were presenting us with the eternal dichotomies of human behaviour for both our delight and philosophical enrichment in his The Magic Flute (Turkish: Sihirli Flüt).

Finally, Sarastro and the Temple Priests and attendants welcome the initiates Pamina and Tamino who survived the trials:


I think it would be difficult to invite the people of today to this magical world of yesterday, and convince them that its ideas are as important now as today. Well, nothing entices like a secret, whether whispered or sung.

While this opera recaptures Mozart's passion for brotherhood and its ideals through sets and costumes, all in all it was a delightful opera, most irresistible opera in a dazzling production. We greatly enjoyed!