Prior to this wonderful project, my exposure to the world of Opera was, to say the least, almost non-existent. The task of photographing behind-the-scenes therefore both sparked my curiosity and filled me with apprehension. Nothing, however, could have prepared me for the splendor and magnetism of this art form.
My objective was to capture the spontaneous beauty and uncontrived intricacy of backstage life in an unobtrusive manner - not an easy task when you are the only other person in the principal’s dressing room five minutes before the curtain goes up, and they are running through their lines one last time. For this reason, I chose to shoot three nights for each production, allowing the cast and crew to become accustomed to my presence. It was only when I became ‘invisible’ that the “unplanned moments” and “spontaneous beauty” began to reveal themselves to my ever present lens. Working only with existing light - and often shooting through doors left ajar and from dark corners - moments of previously unobserved, unprompted exquisiteness were revealed in abundance.
I was concerned at first that revealing these honest encounters would somehow diminish the mystery and grandeur that is the Opera. Instead, even the most modest of moments clearly communicated its magnificence and influence.
I would like to thank the Cape Town Opera and all its artists and staff for this rare privilege - and the unexpected opportunity to fall in love with this form of art as a discreet observer rather than a member of the audience.
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