March - 'The Turn of the Screw'

28/3/2018

Benjamin Britten’s opera based on the novel “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James, was our subject in March. First performed in 1954 in Venice, we viewed an Opera Australia production from 1992. This is another “chamber” opera which can be performed with minimum stage effects. However this DVD used lavish and contemporary effects to simulate the dark and mysterious recesses of an isolated country house in nineteenth century England. Two children and their governess are troubled by the ghostly appearances of the former governess and the estate manager both who died after having an illicit liaison and corrupting the two children. Britten’s bleak music and libretto create a troubling backdrop as the new governess tried to rescue the children from their nightmares and memories. We all needed quite a lot of cheering up after this viewing.

Meg Dillon

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Opera - four wonderful seasons with Meg Dillon

'Opera - On the Dark Side' (2016)
'In the Mood for Opera' (which included 19th Century favourties) (2017)
'Exploring New Operas' (when most operas were based on twentieth century novels or events') (2018)
'A Night at the Opera - French Style', which explored some of the great nineteenth century French composers like Berlioz, Debussy, Ravel and Poulenc who were interested in opera as a musical form. Lovely arias, tuneful music, great singers and performances. (2019)

Scroll through these pages to enjoy, and for those who attended, reminisce about, four courses offered by Meg Dillon, supported by Terry, at their home, DVDs of the best possible versions were screened with subtitles in English. Limited to 10 members, participants received a synopsis of the story in the week prior to screening.

Thank you so much, Meg! What a truly wonderful program you developed for our members!

Convenor & Contact Details

Meg Dillon 5762 6558

Meeting times

2nd Wednesdays from 7.00 pm - Semester 1 only in 2018.