On 11 December 2023, promptly at 7.00pm AEST, Opera Australia live-streamed a performance of Aida from the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Lyric Theatre stage, and subsequently offered an on-demand stream of that broadcast for two weeks afterwards.
This is just a quick reminder that if you are interested in watching the on-demand stream, which is completely free to watch worldwide, you have until 25 December 2023 to do so.
The three and a half hour stream, which includes behind the scenes content, English translated subtitles and some of the cleanest livestreaming I have ever seen from the QPAC Lyric Theatre stage, can be watched via the Opera Australia website.
Aida has been performed in Brisbane as part of a major month of opera for the city, which saw it performed alongside all four parts of The Ring Cycle, a 15-hour operatic masterpiece. The final performance of Aida in Brisbane will take place tomorrow evening, although as of writing, the performance has sold out.
For more information about Aida and The Ring Cycle and to read our feature interviews with two of Aida’s performers – Michael Honeyman and Conal Coad, click HERE.
The Story of Aida
A rebellion is brewing on Egypt’s borders, and for both the oppressor and the oppressed, loves and loyalties are about to be tested.
Egypt needs a hero to lead their army, and the High Priest has chosen Radamès. Egypt’s fortunes will turn on his sword, but Radamès has a higher purpose. Through victory in battle, he hopes to win the hand of the beautiful slave girl Aida — handmaiden to the princess Amneris, and secretly, an Ethiopian princess.
Aida is torn between her love for the Egyptian hero and her despair for the country he must march against — her homeland.
And the Princess Amneris, who also desires Radamès, is beginning to have suspicions that her hero might prefer her slave…
As Radamès returns to Egypt in triumph, Aida is greeted with a terrible sight — her father Amonasro, the King of Ethiopia, is among the slaves.
Just when all seems lost, the King of Egypt deals another blow: promising the triumphant Radamès his daughter Amneris’ hand.
On the banks of the Nile, the lovers arrange to meet one last time.
But the conquered Ethiopian King has a plan to save his country. Aida has to make a devastating choice.
In the darkness, the King’s plan, Aida’s conflicted heart and Radamès’ steadfast love collide in a devastating finale.
