Filipa Portela / Reviżjonijiet

Soprano Filipa Portela, who also produced and directed, was an explosive and theatrically visceral tour de force as Elle, throwing herself completely into this musically demanding role. She was like a caged animal in her apartment, restlessly wandering about, peering through a wooden chair back, rummaging around her possessions, all the time tied to her red telephone. Her strong bright soprano was one moment tender in reminiscence, then bristling in fury at her lover and finally resigned in an empty world-weariness. Pianist Kristine Donnan’s dramatic interpretation matched Portela’s mood by mood in a perfect dynamic relationship, her startling playing tinged with brooding anger and frustration, and peppered with dramatic pauses. Simple, effective lighting from Anna-Madeleine Poll added atmosphere to this short, thrillingly unpredictable piece and riveting Edinburgh Fringe event.