BWW Reviews: Viva VERDI Comes Alive in SF Opera's New ATTILA

One of Giuseppe Verdi's lesser-performed operas, Attila lacks the hummable songs that have brought his better-known operas into popular culture. His complicated characters are ever-present, however, and his grand melodies support those characters with a commanding presence, especially when a large chorus takes up more than half the stage. Verdi definitely knew how to use the chorus. And in San Francisco Opera's Teatro alla Scala co-production, the singers, both leads and chorus, ultimately give Attila the power it needs to succeed - Although a great deal of the production's success owes its existence to the visually stunning scenery on display behind the strong vocals on display. 

Attila the Hun, conqueror and king, prepares to defeat Rome. Meanwhile, he has granted a favor to a brave captive, Odabella, who asks for a sword and privately swears to avenge her father's death at Attila's hand with that very same sword. She prepares to leave her true love, Foresto, behind to marry the barbarian and sacrifice everything for revenge. Foresto and other outside forces have plans of their own, and even Attila's trusted warrior, Uldino, joins the scheming. 

In San Francisco Opera's production, Attila's story unfolds in front of three ruined theaters from different time periods, a striking scenic design by Alessandro Camera that features incredibly realistic cloud projections, sails blowing in the "wind" and an old movie theater playing scenes from a black and white Attila film. Camera designed the sets as commentary on the architectural violence done to historical buildings, but audiences not from Italy will only understand this if they take the time to read their program. Reading the program articles and interviews will give viewers extra insight into the remarkable story at play on stage, as well. Part of the Resorgimento movement to create a unified ItAly Made up of Italians, Verdi's Attila served as a motivator for patriotism and gives audiences an idea of why so many eagerly once cried out, "Viva VERDI!"

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A theater lover since childhood, Harmony Wheeler has done Marketing and Public Relations work for Sierra Repertory Theatre, Hillhouse Opera Company and other companies. She graduated with high honors from Biola University with her degree in Journalism and an emphasis in Public Relations. In addition to working for the Gallo Center for the Arts, MJM Entertainment Group, Biola University Marketing and Communications, 6th Street PR, and Zimbabwe Gecko Society, Wheeler has written for The Modesto Bee, The Chimes, Static MultiMedia, BullyPulpit.com, TUFW Alumnus Magazine, Christian Book Previews, The Christian Communicator, and Church Libraries Magazine. Her photos appear in The Dominican Dream, a book available for purchase through Biola University's Journalism Department. Her photography and video work can be found at http://photographybyharmonywheeler.shutterfly.com/. To learn more about Harmony Wheeler, or to contact her for work possibilities, visit www.harmonywheeler.com.