International Opera Stars in Lavish Production of AIDA

AIDA, a stunning traditional production and the grandest of all Ellen Kent's operas, will play at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on Monday 21 November 2016.

In AIDA, the splendour of Egypt is set against the grandeur of the Coliseum of Rome with Ellen Kent's direction influenced by the ancient Greek dramas of Euripides and symbolising the powerful religious hold of the priests of Egypt.

Starring the French soprano Olga Perrier and the Russian soprano Ecaterina Danu as Aida and Liza Kadelnik, the celebrated mezzo-soprano from the Romanian National Opera, as Amneris. Casting may be subject to change.

Boasting an impressive new set built by Set-Up Scenery in the UK, who also build sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden, this tragic story of war, jealousy and revenge at whose heart is the doomed love of the beautiful Ethiopian slave girl, Aida, and the Egyptian hero, Radames.

The story is brought to life in a production set against one of the greatest pieces of music Verdi ever wrote with the well-known arias "Celeste Aida", "Ritorna Vincitor" and the classic "TriumpHal March" featuring a temple dance, cascades of glittering gold, magnificent 7 foot tall black, ebony statues with gold replicas from the Tutankhamen collection, huge set and many other authentic additions with spectacular dancing Poi fire spinners.

Ellen Kent said: "I have produced and directed many Aida's over the years and it still remains the biggest challenges a producer can face. I have staged many sell out performances of Aida's at the Royal Albert Hall with a casts of over 100, also arenas and outdoor productions of Aida in the middle east and in the UK and in many regional theatres. My vision of Aida, matches Verdi's vision and I try and give Aida the grandeur which Verdi achieved in the first production in Egypt when he was commissioned to write an opera for the opening of the Suez Canal and premiered in Cairo 1871. From dancing alabaster fountains, Las Vegas style and made in India, life size bejewelled elephants, walls of fire, fire spinners, ballet and Bedouin dancers, enormous sets which have to fit into large to smaller spaces and now for the first time I am introducing a black stallion into the larger venues. I want all my public to enjoy the grandeur of this magnificent opera, in my opinion the best score Verdi ever wrote - not an easy task. My Aida's have been described as "The Las Vegas of operas" which I regard as a compliment. Even now, it's my ambition to stage Aida on the banks of the Nile with a cast of thousands."

Tickets for AIDA can be bought in person at the Box Office, by calling 01902 42 92 12 or online at grandtheatre.co.uk.

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