★★★☆☆
I should start off by saying I know nothing about opera. Then again, neither do most undergraduate students — at least not the ones I’ve met.
Like other classical performance arts, opera can feel inaccessible and highbrow. Maybe you even agree with Timothee Chalamet’s recent provocation: “no one cares about this anymore.”
UCOpera’s Production of If I Were You, however, proved both of these assumptions wrong.
Based on the Julien Green novel of the same name, If I Were You follows the story of Fabian, played by Hamish Garland, a young man who makes a deal with the Devil. Originally published in 2019, it’s a modern take on an age-old traditional tale — and art form.
If I Were You was a great choice for a student opera company — tragic, with an element of lightness, and a hint of comedy throughout. It was a highly entertaining show that received several laughs and much applause from the (mostly full) audience.
The entire cast was great, but the standout performance came from Katy Reilly, who plays the lead, Brittomara (the Devil). Reilly was magnetic in her professional debut, graceful and captivating; the absolute embodiment of the role.
The opening night performance was somewhat interrupted by the absence of Jing Meng who was supposed to play the show’s other lead, Diana. The show’s director, Eleanor Strutt, stepped in to act, while an externally hired singer voiced the part from the wings.
While far from an ideal arrangement for both audience and company, the show must go on, and at no point did the remaining cast let it detract from the rest of the performance.
A final highlight of the evening was of course the accompanying music, played live by the UCL Symphony Orchestra.
In sum, UCOpera’s production of If I Were You was an enjoyable, accessible performance put together by a hugely talented company who are immensely dedicated to their craft.