Operatic take on timeless tale

Once again giving Basingstoke audiences the chance to experience a world class performance, it is composer Param Vir's treatment of Euripedes' play of the same name, based on David Lan's masterly translation.

The story is of a mother searching for her lost son, and focuses on her desperate need to find him.

The titular role is assumed by 37-year-old UK native Michael Bennett, who has recently been living abroad.

Michael previously worked with Music Theatre Wales on a production of The Lighthouse several years ago, before jumping the continent in search of work.

"I went to music college in Manchester and, after that, I worked with smaller companies just really trying to make it," he explains.

"I did an audition for an opera festival in Provence and ended up with a main role in a chamber opera by Benjamin Britten. I got a lot of attention in France that I hadn't received before. And I have now been in France two years."

In the play, the mother's joy is balanced by fear at what her son will be like and what any discovery may mean for her family.

An ancient story which touches on emotional dilemmas, how does Michael think the treatment of the work as an opera succeeds?

"I've never seen the play, but I certainly think the music adds something to the writing. I don't like to use the word 'weighty' because that makes it seem very inaccessible, but I mean it stands the test of time. The period in which it's set isn't important - it's very universal and applicable to everyone."

Param Vir agrees, having previously spoken about the play's continuing relevance for today: "The play, despite being 2,500 years old, has a very strong universal message. I would say that Ion is ultimately to do with self-knowledge."

Was Michael nervous about assuming the lead in such a prestigious production?

"It is one of the biggest roles I've done and you do get nervous.

"I've shut myself away a lot. I try to look after myself and not enjoy myself too much - you can't go out to the pub every night! Also, the character I play is younger than me, so I need to obtain that certain energy every evening."

Is it nice to come home to take centre-stage for the part of Ion?

"I'm actually in England a lot. Before, I lived in Manchester, and going from Manchester to London is much the same as London to Paris these days. There are aspects I miss, of course. But it's not really so hard to move - it takes courage at the beginning, but once you're there..."

So is his French up to scratch?

"My French was absolutely terrible at the beginning! It's fine most of the time because the majority of people speak English, and I get by. But every once in a while, a really fast conversation will have me completely foxed."

How does the operatic scene compare, as far as working possibilities are concerned?

"There are far more regional opera houses in France and countries like Germany. That's not the situation in the UK, but it does differ.

"I suppose, having worked over here and seeing the difference, working in the UK, I somehow wasn't able to open doors. But, in saying that, when I first came into singing I really didn't have an ideal role in mind or anything, I was just so delighted to have a job at all."

And Ion is certainly a top class job to have landed. The opera has been described as "an epic drama, encompassing a gamut of emotions from full-blooded anger to doleful lament, from comic simplicity to ravishing delight". Phew!

How would Michael encourage those to come and see Ion, even if they have never dared to try an opera before?

"A lot of people are afraid because they've never actually been. My advice is to take the plunge and simply don't think about the mystique or elitism built up around it. It has a lot to offer for all backgrounds and tastes in music - I dare you to be Surprised!"

Michael Bennett will be appearing at The Anvil as part of Music Theatre Wales on November 4 at 7.45pm. Tickets, priced £14, are available from the box office on 01256 844244.