Opera is a beautiful, old art form, and traditionally 'static' in its performance conventions. Unlike theatre- which has undergone extensive experimentation and innovation - opera remains largely conservative in its execution and audience engagement.
The most frequently performed works still belong to the Romantic and "Golden Age" era of opera. Most newly written operas are performed only once before being forgotten, leaving contemporary compositions struggling for longevity.
As a PhD candidate at Oslo National Academy of the Arts, Academy of Opera, I will research how to make a model in the opera genre that is more engaging and interactive for the audience.
My project aims to reimagine what opera can be by blending it with interactive storytelling like LARP and gaming & immersive theatre techniques. My hope is to create an opera where the audience is not just watching—but participating, influencing, and co-creating the experience. Something that can get a life alongside the traditional opera repertoir. A way to tell stories with opera that can be used as both entertainment, play and education.
Adrian Angelico (Angelica) is a Norwegian-Sámi singer with a career singing on major opera stages worldwide. They specializes in 'castrato' and 'pants roles' and also perform traditional female roles within the mezzo-soprano range. Additionally, Angelico is versatile, singing and performing across various music genres and participating in numerous TV productions and concerts.
In my initial presentation I will provide a overview of my project, situating it within its operatic historical context and my sources of inspiration. As my research is still in its beginning stages, I will delineate the challenges encountered thus far, any shifts in perspective, and outline the prospective trajectory of the work. Additionally, I will articulate my conviction that the traditionally conservative realm of opera would benefit from increased playfulness and experimentation to ensure its continued vitality.