Details

Inspired by Tolstoy's great tale of obsessive sexual jealousy; the story is told through a conversation on a train in which a man confesses to killing his wife whilst in a state of jealous rage. Laura Wade's critically acclaimed play explores the relationship between the man and wife, with the unheard voices of the murdered woman and the violinist finding expression in the riveting musical and theatrical performance. The explosive culmination of interwoven words and emotive music amplifies the intensity of the bitter and tragic love-triangle to incredibly passionate levels. Janacek's String Quartet No. 1 (the 'Kreutzer Sonata') echoes Tolstoy's writing with the portrayal of the suffering of a woman, beaten and tortured to death, represented in emotionally highly-charged music. Illuminating the husband's account is Beethoven's Violin Sonata in A major Op. 47 'Kreutzer Sonata'. The piece evokes the turbulent passion embedded in Tolstoy's story with elements of wildness. The result is a performance which brings together three renowned works of art, each of which invigorates the other, all telling of intense romantic emotions.

Cast/Performers

Stacey Sampson, Sandy Batchelor

Creatives/Company

Author: Laura Wade
Presented by: Music in the Round May Festival
Director: Celine Lowenthal