Drawing inspiration from Lars Von Trier’s award-winning film, this opera by Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek won the International Opera Award for Best Creation in 2017. The outstanding cast gives a rare intensity to this opera where faith and love lead the heroine to swim against her community’s moral standards.

In a strict Calvinist community of Northern Scotland, the young Bess, driven by a mystical fervour, falls in love with a foreigner who works on a nearby oil rig. Soon after their wedding, Jan survives a serious accident that leaves him paralysed. Consequently, he encourages Bess to seek pleasure from other men… Just as the oil rig breaks the waves of the North Sea, Bess’ faith and love for Jan lead her to swim against her community’s moral standards.

Lars von Trier drew inspiration from this naturalistic allegory and was awarded the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996. The operatic adaptation, by Royce Vavrek and Missy Mazzoli (born 1980), won the 2017 International Opera Award for Best World Premiere, which led to a second production created in Edinburgh together with the Opéra Comique.

Powerful libretto, musical lyricism and evocative strength all combine in Tom Morris’ vibrant stage direction. Led by Mathieu Romano, the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, the Aedes ensemble and an outstanding cast give this opera a rare intensity.

Opera in three acts. Music by Missy Mazzoli. Libretto by Royce Vavrek. Created in 2016 at the Philadelphia Opera.

Musical direction, Mathieu Romano • Staging direction, Tom Morris • With Sydney Mancasola, Jarrett Ott, Wallis Giunta, Susan Bullock, Elgan Llŷr Thomas • Choir Aedes • Orchestre de chambre de Paris

See all the cast

2h45 (including intermission) - Salle Favart
Performing in English, French and English surtitles.

This production includes explicit language, nudity, and sexual content, some of a violent nature. Recommended for mature audiences only.
The show contains some light effect footage that may affect those susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

The doors of the opera-house open 45 minutes before the performance.

Audio description (EN)

Some operas are available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.
More info on this page

People with reduced mobility

16 seats are dedicated to people with reduced mobility, on reservation at the box office or by phone. Access to the lift is located 5 rue Favart
+33 1 70 23 01 44 | accessibilite@opera-comique.com

Relax sessions

Relax sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability (autism, multiple disabilities, mental or psychic disability, Alzheimer…) may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Around the show

To sing

45 minutes before the performance : Sing some thunes oh the show with a choir director.

Foyer Favart | Free admission on presentation of your ticket

To relax

The intermission bar offers drinks and light refreshments as soon as the theatre doors open.

Accessibility

Relax session | Sunday, the 28th may at 3:00 pm
RELAX sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Audio description | Sunday, the 28th may at 3:00 pm
This opera is available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.