Details

One-act opera composed in 1911 but not performed until 1918 and set in a gloomy castle with seven locked doors. Judith and Bluebeard arrive at his castle, which is all dark. Bluebeard asks Judith if she wants to stay and even offers her an opportunity to leave, but she decides to stay. Judith insists that all the doors be opened, to allow light to enter into the forbidding interior, insisting further that her demands are based on her love for Bluebeard. Bluebeard refuses, saying that they are private places not to be explored by others, and asking Judith to love him but ask no questions. Judith persists, and eventually prevails over his resistance. Behind each door is a secret which finally overwhelms Judith. A production of Bartok's dark and mysterious operatic masterpiece unlike any other. The audience follow Judith to discover the secrets and horrors behind the seven locked doors in Bluebeard's castle. Eight designers each create a space in this unique promenade production. Sung in English.

Cast/Performers

Dominic Barrand (Bluebeard), Simon Wilding (Bluebeard), Anna Gregory (Judith), Hannah Pedley (Judith)

Creatives/Company

Author: Bela Bartok
Lyrics: Bela Balazs
Company(s): English Pocket Opera Company, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
Director: Paul Featherstone
Musical Director: Will Carslake
Lighting: Fridthjofur Thorsteinsson
Design(s): Giorgina Germanou, Artemis Evlogimenou, Frances Cooper, Aai Ilo, Austeja Znaidauskaite, Florence Mein, Kate Auster, Mahana Louise Delacour