An Opera Bombshell Article by Charlotte
Renowned opera writer and performer Yun Jin debuted her newest opera Lord of the Vishaps, to positive reception. The opera details the tragic life of the ancient Earth Dragon and the overlord of the vishaps, Azhdaha. It traces Azhdaha's emergence from the stone, his contract with Morax, his erosion, and his demise.
Holding this story together is the titular character Azhdaha portrayed by renowned film and television actor Little One, a tepetlisaur best known for his role in the Gojira film series. To everyone's surprise, Little One was an incredibly talented singer and stage actor. Its vocal range perfectly suits the multifaceted character it portrays, both sympathetic and terrifying. Drawing from its experience of portraying Gojira, Little One brings cruelty and humanity to the character of Azhdaha. Indeed, Azhdaha is a monstrous character who loses touch with his nobler aspects until he regains enough sentience to resist his baser-eroded instincts.
Capping off Act One is Azdaha's ballad titled "Every Day, A Little Less of Me Lives." Its performance was so harrowing that many audience members could be seen weeping. Watching this noble creature devolve is saddening. Thus, when Azhdaha regains enough of its senses to resist what it has become, one experiences true joy in seeing the dragon's true noble nature defeat its erosion. Its final song, "Farewell, Morax," brought the audience to tears.
Critics praised Little One's performance as the Earth Dragon. Frequent opera attendee Zhongli remarked, "The tepetlisaur Little One truly understands the nature of the Earth Dragon. It fully encapsulates the decline caused by erosion and the noble virtue within. One cannot watch this show without feeling as though one were witnessing history itself."
Little One received this year's Toby Award for Best Lead Actor for its performance as Azhdaha, beating out reoccurring nominee Leopold DiCaprio. In its tearful acceptance speech, Little One said, "Rawr-rawr-rawr." Its heartfelt words brought the audience to tears. Little One then proceeded to use the trophy as a chew toy.