Amadigi di Gaula is an exuberantly inventive work with brilliant musical ideas full of youth, love and magic. The sorceress Melissa loves the knight Amadigi. But he loves Oriana, who in turn is coveted by Amadigi’s friend and rival Dardano. The four figures stumble around in a labyrinth of deceptive images and feelings and run the risk of losing not only their way, but above all themselves. Hurt and filled with hate, Melissa uses all her magical powers to destroy the love Amadigi and Oriana have for one another. She plots, lies, begs, flatters and threatens death and torture. But love is victorious in the end.
- Melissa is often portrayed as both powerful and vulnerable—how do you personally interpret her motivations? And do you see Melissa as a villain, a tragic figure, or something in between?
I do find Melissa quite villainous – she resorts to violence and pain whenever she doesn’t get her way which feels pretty extreme. And yet, Handel sets some of her text so devastatingly beautifully that you can suddenly find yourself sympathising with her.
There is a vulnerable person underneath all the bravado and rage, but, ultimately, the way she manipulates the other characters and causes them heartbreak makes me feel she doesn’t really deserve the love she so desperately craves from Amadigi.
- If Melissa had a modern-day equivalent, what kind of person would she be?
As a modern-day equivalent, I imagine Melissa might run a sort of ruthless boot camp. The kind of job where she can shout and order people about which she just loves to do.
I reckon she’d enjoy coming up with fiendish obstacle courses and seeing people drop out. The camp would probably be called Furies and the logo would be a flaming fire.
- Do you have a favourite moment in Amadigi di Gaula (either musically or dramatically)?
It’s hard to choose a favourite musical number from this opera but I will say I can’t get enough of the suspensions in Dardano’s despairing aria “Pena tiranna” in Act 2.
I also love how Oriana fights back against Melissa in her fiery aria “Affannami, tormentami”. Go girl!
- If someone completely new to opera came to see this show, what’s the one moment you’d be most excited for them to experience?
The moment I’d be excited for a newcomer to opera to see is actually another Dardano moment. Towards the end of the opera, Melissa is in peak Sorceress mode and summons the ghost of Dardano to join her in revenge against Amadigi and Oriana. He arrives during an eerie accompagnato only to surprise everyone by damning Melissa instead of obeying her commands. The audience will not be expecting a return appearance from this character who died by Amadigi’s hand, and, coupled with the fact he turns the tide against Melissa, it is a dramatic highlight that I think showcases well the effective suspense and storytelling that opera can deliver.
- Do you think there will be a big take away from the opera?
I hope audiences will enjoy our interpretations of Handel’s ravishing arias and the intensity that having a cast of only four characters can bring. I’m not sure of an exact takeaway yet, but, despite everything that was thrown at them, Oriana and Amadigi were willing to die for their love for each other and I think that’s pretty epic.
- Do you have any go-to rituals before walking on stage?
I don’t really have any pre-performance rituals that are set in stone. I find sitting in the make-up chair can often be the opportunity I take to close off the outside world a bit and start getting into character. Checking in with each cast member is important and a few swigs of lemon and ginger tea is an added treat. I also spare a thought for my dear late father who encouraged my love of singing and who would have absolutely adored a visit to Buxton!
- Dog or cat?
Dog over cat for me. I’ve never owned one myself but hope to maybe one day. As a child, my singing teacher had a Dachsund and my clarinet teacher had an Alsation. Each would sit in on my lessons and acted as my first experience of a discerning audience. Any howling along by the Alsation was taken as a good sign and if the Dachsund stayed put on her favourite chair then all was well.
- Chocolate or crisps?
Chocolate is the ultimate treat in my eyes. Usually enjoyed with a cup of tea and not to be rushed.
- Indian or pizza?
I do enjoy curry but I think there is something about pizza that wins this particular battle. It’s great for sharing with friends and the perfect comfort food that always delivers.
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