Week One: Swim in the Deep End Anyone?

‘So, if you can introduce yourself to the entire cast and crew and then translate Lluís’s introduction, that would be great.’ Talk about throwing me in at the deep end! This was how my five weeks of work experience with Welsh National Opera began. To say I was nervous before I began is an understatement. But as soon as the initial fright of having to translate the Director’s first words to over forty people subsided, I knew that it would be a busy, challenging but above all an extremely fun placement.

Never having had any experience of working in opera, I didn’t know what to expect. (I feel at this point I should make a confession. I have been to the opera once in my life and that was over six years ago!) I must admit I was a little star struck during the first week, having the opportunity to meet and work with the likes of Lluís Pasqual and Rebecca Evans. But after the first couple of rehearsal sessions I felt right at home, thanks to the kindness of the cast and all the production team.

The rehearsals in the first week were intense, but the professionalism of everyone involved ensured that what needed to be done was done, and left me in awe of how efficient and enjoyable the process would be.