Sneak preview
I just got back from one of the final dress rehearsals before this weekend’s premier of the Cambodian Rock Opera, Where Elephants Weep. If you read any of the extensive Globe coverage in Sunday’s paper, you know this is a blending of East and West, past and present, young and old, set loosely to a Cambodian folktale, Turn Teav. I get the impression this story is somewhat like Romeo and Juliet and certainly there are similar elements in the plot. But, as in all operas, the plot is the least interesting part of the production, and there is much more going on in this story than the fate of the star-crossed lovers. I was particularly impressed with the layering of different themes and emotions; at one point I thought, they are trying to do too much, trying to encompass genocide, the feelings of orphans, the loss of country, spirituality versus the secular world, ties of family versus the rights of the individual, all tied up in the agony of Sam (reflecting that of his country) as he tries to come to terms with his past and find his future path. I am happy to report that my fears were unfounded, the opera soon transcends the simple love story and does full justice to its many important themes.
The opera is sung in English and Khmer with subtitles in both languages. The stage is shared by a traditional Cambodian orchestra, with instruments such as the haunting buffalo horn and a Angkor-era xylophone that had to be fitted with extra notes in order to integrate Western style octaves and harmonies into the music. The other half of the stage features a modern rock band. The music works; the singers, especially Sam, Dara and the older monk who tries to guide them, are wonderful; and the bits of dance, whether modern, hip-hop, or traditional Cambodian that are interspersed into the show add to the drama.
In short, go see it. There are only three performances in Lowell, all at Lowell High’s Cyrus W. Irish Auditorium, this Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Admission is $20, $10 for students, seniors or groups of 10 or more. To add to your evening’s enjoyment, attend the Fifth Annual Taste of Culture on Saturday, from 5:30-7:30, at the Hellenic Center on Broadway. For a $5 donation (children are free), you can try many types of ethnic food and watch performers from different cultures demonstrating traditional dances (if you’ve never seen Capoeira, the Brazilian dancing/fighting art, this will be your chance). For a $20 donation, you can receive a free ticket to the opera!