Details

In this brand new double-bill, commissioned by ROH2, ROH Associate Artist Aletta Collins and esteemed director Tom Cairns present two contrasting dramatic pieces in two different artforms:: one dance, one opera. Jean Cocteau's monologues provide the inspiration for an evening of opera and dance in the Linbury Studio Theatre. The inspiring synergy of music, voice and dance, fused with Cocteau’s themes of possession and abandonment were first explored by Collins and Cairns in their 2000 Channel 4 dance film, The Human Voice, from which the twin creative strands of Cocteau Voices grew. New ideas, reinterpretations, eclectic influences - this programme unites music and dance with provocative drama in a unique and intriguing way. In the world premiere of Duet for One, Collins re-imagines Cocteau’s monologue Duet For One Voice for dancers, with an original score by revered composer Scott Walker. The cast features Conor Doyle, Daniel Hay Gordon, Omar Gordon, HyeKyoung Kim and Lorena Randi. For the second part of the evening, Tom Cairns stages Poulenc’s opera La Voix Humaine. Acclaimed Italian soprano Nuccia Focile plays the only role in this one-act opera which is sung in English and based on Cocteau’s 1932 play. It charts a woman’s desperate final agonising telephone conversation with her departed lover. With conductor Garry Walker and the Southbank Sinfonia as the orchestra, the translation is provided by Richard Stokes, the design by Tom Cairns and the lighting design by Charles Balfour.

Cast/Performers

Conor Doyle, Daniel Hay Gordon, Omar Gordon, HyeKyoung Kim, Lorena Randi

Creatives/Company

Choreographer: Aletta Collins
Director: Tom Cairn
Design: Tom Cairn
Lighting: Charles Balfour