Opera Screening: «AÏDA» by Giuseppe Verdi (Royal Opera House)

   A screening of the Royal Opera House's 2022 production of Giuseppe Verdi's «AÏDA», directed by Robert Carsen and conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano, with the house orchestra and chorus. Screening rights are supported by Naxos Deutschland GmbH.

   The story leaves its characters no way out. Aïda is brought to Egypt as spoils of war with Ethiopia; daughter of the defeated king, she must hide her royal birth and live as a slave attending Princess Amneris. Radamès, a gifted young Egyptian commander, falls in love with her without knowing who she is. When Ethiopia counterattacks, it is Radamès who is appointed to lead the army against the country of the woman he loves. Loyalty to the state or to a person — the opera refuses to let anyone have both.

   Carsen moves the setting from ancient Egypt into the modern era, and that reading makes the war at the centre feel uncomfortably close: not legend, but our own century.

   The evening is part of Saigon Classical's «From Alpha to Opera» project, which presents major operas with Vietnamese and English subtitles so newcomers can follow the whole story. A separate talk on the work runs the same day; attending both is covered by the combined contribution.

   All contributions go toward running costs, preparing materials and equipment, and supporting the speaker. The production is not suitable for viewers under 12; doors open at 6:30pm. Registration through quickom.net.