Immersive new environmental opera STUMPED premieres in Glasgow this September
STUMPED, an exciting modern opera exploring the issue of deforestation through the lens of storytelling, is set to premiere at the Brian Cox Theatre in Glasgow on Friday 8th September.
Article Source: Lewis Coenen-Rowe
Last Updated: 11 August 2023 10:14
The innovative contemporary chamber opera, composed by Glasgow environmentalist and composer Lewis Coenen-Rowe, is based on five stories from different times and places which all centre on the destruction of a tree or forest, and the consequences of this action.
Performers will move among the audience in the intimate space of the Brian Cox Theatre, creating a non-traditional, informal opera experience that will appeal to fans and newcomers to the art form alike and make it accessible to all. With immersive staging and specially designed scenery, the result is a highly engaging aesthetic experience which enhances the stories and messages of STUMPED.
The opera threads tales of destruction together through a modern day conversation between two users of an internet forum, exploring the links between these timeless stories and contemporary issues around deforestation and helping the audience emotionally connect with the subject and gain a better understanding of the factors at play.
This world premiere performance brings together a talented cast of musicians including singers Shuna Sendall and Lea Shaw, and instrumentalists Alice Rickards, Sonia Cromarty, Andrew Connell-Smith and Robyn Anderson, conducted by Thomas Butler, with artistic direction by Cecilia Stinton and scenography by Hunter Muir.
STUMPED composer Lewis Coenen-Rowe said: “Deforestation is an important issue in Scotland. The country is already highly deforested, with only a small number of ancient woodlands remaining. There are currently lots of reforestation projects underway so it’s an important time to learn about the issues and support this work. STUMPED is a premiere performance, giving Glasgow audiences a chance to hear this new story and original music for the first time.
“The topic of deforestation and attempts at reforestation are not always well understood, so we hope this work will provide a way in for audiences who want to learn more. As a piece of contemporary chamber opera, it’s performed by opera singers but with very different music to what people normally associate with the genre. It’s a chance to encounter these old stories that are rarely heard and learn about an important issue in a way that is fun and engaging. We would encourage anyone who has an interest in Glasgow’s cultural scene and hasn’t had the opportunity to experience opera before to come along.”
Tickets include a pre-performance discussion with artist and forester Amy Clarkson, researcher Dr Ophira Gamliel, and a representative from the campaign Biofuelwatch, to address the themes and issues of the opera.
Representatives from local and environmental campaigns will also be invited to host stalls in the foyer, building a wider programme around the performance itself, and allowing audiences a unique opportunity to learn more and engage with the issue of deforestation on all levels.
STUMPED takes place at Brian Cox Theatre in Glasgow on Friday 8th September 2023. Tickets are available now at www.eventbrite.co.uk.
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