Backstage at the Wexford Opera Festival with mezzo-soprano Bernadette Greevy who is appearing in 'Orlando'.
Wexford Festival Opera was founded in 1951 with the intention of bringing lesser-known operas to opera-lovers from all over the world.
Wexford is a different breed of opera festival, and does not suffer the formalities Glyndebourne or the other grand centres of opera. RTÉ reporter Michael Ryan takes a peek behind the scenes at the preparations for the opening night of G F Handel’s opera ‘Orlando’.
He goes backstage to mezzo-soprano Bernadette Greevy’s dressing room and interviews her about her role as Medoro. Unusually Greevy is playing a "trouser role" and she has been getting tips from her male colleagues on how to be a man. Before she goes on stage, she takes delivery of a large number of floral bouquets, including the customary red roses from her husband.
With the ultimate test of the first night behind them, the cast are filled with a mixture of relief and euphoria. After her performance Greevy is too excited to be tired. The show was a success although she concedes
There were parts where we felt we needed a reaction and we didn’t get it I’m afraid.
An ‘Ireland’s Eye’ report broadcast on 29 October 1980. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
