MEDIATHEK

“Ou…Patsia…Ra” is an Opera set in Cypriot dialect composed by Andys Skordis in 2014. The story reflects a sculptress who falls in love with her sculpture, in other words her creation. The opera shows the sculptress living in two parallel worlds; her world, where her sculpture is alive and they communicate, and our world where her sculpture is merely an object. The story shows the struggle she is facing as to understand what is happening and what is real or not.

The composer designed a piece that would be inspired by the form of Opera but being presented in a different way. His intention was not to create something that the audience would watch, but instead to create an experience that each one would feel in a different way. Among other decisions that would enhance this fact, the composer decided not to have a stage, but instead to create a “stage" in the middle of a hall, which would be surrounded by a plastic material that would function as a surface for the projections and light design, but also to hide the musicians. This decision gives liberty to the audience as far as how to experience the performance, either sitting, standing, moving around or even dancing. Ultimately, this creates something closer to a ritual rather than a performance both for the audience and the musicians.

Music comprises of acoustical sounds, electronics and Gamelan pieces. Each sound reflects a different part of the story, creating a soundscape that follows the story line but also co-exists in a harmonious way. Music never stops, and at the same time starts before the audience enters the hall, and finishes after everyone has left, making the whole performance something still in time, like a sculpture.

The opera is composed for 9 performers in pairs, an idea which is inspired by the essence of duality and by the story. 2 Singers, 2 Wind players, 2 Percussionists, 2 Strings, Piano (2 hands) and two visual artist comprise a team where two are designed to give birth to a new dimension that without the two its not possible. At the same time, the stage has two frontages, showing different projections.

The story is not represented directly by acting, but instead it is suggested through abstract projections and light design. The musicians are not visible, enhancing the mystical and ritual aspects of the piece. Lastly, this is the first and only Opera set in Cypriot dialect so far.