Love may conquer all, but when you’re the King, duty comes first and hatred leads to quick actions with lasting effects. Opera Australia’s interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball) is a truly amazing operatic experience exploring the love for a country, devotion towards a spouse and the drastic consequences of forbidden affections.

The King's page Oscar (Amelia Farrugia) distracts Gustav (Julian Gavin) with the guest list of an upcoming masquerade ball. King Gustav is in love with his best friend Anckarstroem’s wife, Amelia (Nicole Youl). While visiting Ulrica (Milijana Nikolic), a fortune teller facing banishment, Gustav - who is in disguise - discovers that Amelia has a secret love. The King decides that he will declare his feelings for her that night. Although the fortune teller warns Gustav that his death is imminent, the King takes no heed. Anckarstroem (Michael Lewis) discovers Amelia with Gustav and vows revenge at a masquerade ball the following evening.

“Verdi’s portrait of Gustav III of Sweden as a rule is anything but flattering,” explains John Cox in the Director’s Note, “[…] At the same time, this is not the portrait of a fool.” Cox’s fascination with human emotions is obvious and he presents a visually stunning, polished staging of Un ballo in maschera with strong attention to detail and atmosphere. The set comprises of well placed pieces without being too ornate. For example, at the beginning of Act IV, a statue of the king can be seen through the semi-transparent curtain displaying the Swedish coat of arms. Similarly the black, red and white costumes and jewels of the masquerade ball create a striking, yet morbid, finale.

The movement onstage and emotional journey of characters matches the tumultuous musical score, conducted by Andrea Licata. Upon hearing that his best friend’s wife Amelia will be present at the masquerade ball, Gustav sings a beautiful ode in Act I, with crescendos marking the intensity of his feelings for Amelia. The King's alter-ego Oscar has an amazing voice that is full of cheekiness and earnestness. Meanwhile, the beginning of Act III is full of doubt and anxiety. Amelia’s and Gustav’s declaration of their love for each other is signaled by soft melodies. The King leaves and Amelia lowers her veil. Anckerstroem arrives and promises to take the veiled woman back to the city, on behalf of the King, however is interrupted by conspirators. Amelia decides to life her veil to reveal her identity and the staccatos capture the humourous discovery of Anckerstroem with his own wife. This is contrasted by the frozen, slow-moving actions of the two characters, indicating the shock of the revelation and betrayal.

The ominous ending is developed well throughout the opera. While the King is brash, confident, passionate and adored by his court, Anckerstroem is loyal, just and a man of honour. In this tragic story of love, there are no winners – except, maybe, Fate. Opera Australia’s Un ballo in maschera is a magnificent performance that audience members will cherish.

UN BALLO IN MASCHERA (A MASKED BALL)

Venue: State Theatre, Arts Centre

Dates and Times: 1:00pm on 10 May and 7.30pm on 16, 19, 22 & 24 April 2008 and 2, 7 & 10 May

Tickets: $52-$220

Bookings: Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.au