Breaking the waves

Breaking the waves

Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek

en

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.

Cast

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

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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.

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.

Cast

Musical direction
Mathieu Romano
Staging direction
Tom Morris
Decors
Soutra Gilmour
Lights
Richard Howell
Video
Will Duke
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Sound
Jon Nicholls
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Collaboration in movements and coordination of intimacy
Sara Brodie
Staging collaboration
Rosie Purdie
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Lights Assist
Ryan Joseph Stafford
Video assist
Hayley Egan
Voice coach
Nicolas Chesneau
Voice coach
Bess McNeill
Sydney Mancasola
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Jan Nyman
Jarrett Ott
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Dodo McNeill
Wallis Giunta
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Mother
Susan Bullock
Dr Richardson
Elgan Llŷr Thomas
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Terry
Mathieu Dubroca
Councilman
Andrew Nolen
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Sadistic Sailor
Pascal Gourgand
Young Sailor
Fabrice Foison
Chœur
Ensemble Aedes
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Orchestre
Orchestre de chambre de Paris
Coproduction
Opera Ventures
Coproduction
Scottish Opera
Coproduction
Houston Grand Opera
Coproduction
Opéra-Comique

*Choir member

With the collaboration of Bristol Old Vic
Co-presented with Edinburgh International Festival

Patrons of Scottish creation – Howard and Sarah Solomon Foundation, Denise Coates Foundation, Karl Sydow and a syndicate of donors

With the support of

In partnership with