Analysis of Four Famous Duets in Covido The Opera: Performer Perspective

Abstract

Although opera has a significant cultural influence, very little is known about Covido the Opera, the first virtual opera performed in the Thai language. Rather than focusing on the opera as a whole, this academic article analyzes the use of notable classical duets included to further enhance the story. This paper focuses on the deeper meanings of the four well-known duets that appear in Covido the Opera. This work is a dark comedy opera, which was created while people around the world suffered from the impact of Covid-19; something that is still being felt to this day. The story concerns an opera singer struggling in isolation and experiencing the horrors of paranoia and depression. However, she receives a gift, which is a teddy bear. The bear tries to help and free her from the dark times in which she’s trapped. The bear utilizes the singing of opera as a means to emotionally reach the opera singer and free her from the torment of confinement. This delivery of opera by a non-human character allows a Thai audience with little knowledge of opera to emotionally connect without an understanding of European languages. This article will benefit a new generation of composers by demonstrating the method of including deeper meanings to an opera and making use of existing works to support and enhance an original production. The analysis will also aid an audience to fully understand the hidden connotations of these duets and their influence beyond the surface. All analysis rests on the main performer’s perspective. The discussions presented in this paper came from an investigation by the author who played the main role of ‘Opera Singer’. As a fairly new research subject, this article offers fresh insights on the topic. A working anthology is proposed in order to historically archive Thai opera.