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Two worlds collide in this triumphant production
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By Peter McCallum
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In this new co-production between Opera Australia and Teatro alla Scala, Milan, of Verdiâs fifth opera
Ernani, German director Sven-Eric Bechtolf has placed the work within the context of the making of 19th century theatre.
Stage hands gather during the overture, welcome the singers with respectful obeisance, paint scenery and raise and lower scenery flats from the side with a splendidly archaic set of ropes and pulleys. Julian Crouch and Kevin Pollardâs scene and costume design creates two worlds â cheerful backstage drabness and the gaudy brilliant otherworld of theatrical illusion.