Bigfoot has been a source of fascination for years. The supposed myth has inspired adventurers, explorers and filmmakers to capture the beast and now the folklore is the inspiration for an Opera which is being presented at Summerhall during the Edinburgh Fringe. Sasquatch may not be the first topic to spring to mind when thinking of opera, but the bizarre mythology may just lends itself to the epic musical drama that opera can present.
The stage is covered in grass, flowers and leaves and small furry ball like objects are scattered on the floor. The fur balls look similar to the cocoons that the gremlins hatch from in the movie of the same name. The smokey atmosphere adds to this eerie scene and the bizarre tone of Sasquatch: The Opera has been set.
The story of Sasquatch: The Opera is a grand and flamboyant tragedy in the Shakespearean sense. Love and family is tested and crooks, villains and outsiders are all presented. The drama is divided into 9 different scenes where an intimidating dictator offers tours of Sasquatch country to unassuming tourists. A young girl who is a victim of the dictator meets and falls in love with Sasquatch and their tragic relationship forms the basis of the story.
At one point Sasquatch is bitten by a tick. This seemingly mundane action is greatly heightened due to the operatic presentation. Opera does not do subtlety well, therefore understated moments like this are presented as being absurd and bombastic and this adds to the comedy of Sasquatch: The Opera. The over the top comedy also distracts from the heart of the drama. The music is reminiscent of electro pop and this works as an underscore to the operatic voices. Sasquatch: The Opera is a good comedic opera with fine performances from the cast. The Sasquatch costume design looks very shaggy and absurd and this absurdity is present throughout the show.