George Benjamin / Martin Crimp

Written on Skin

Archive 2013

Music

Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique
novembernov 16 – 19

1/4

Written on Skin
George Benjamin // Text, Martin Crimp
The Protector, Christopher Purves
Agnes, Barbara Hannigan
Angel 1 – The Boy, Iestyn Davis
Angel 2 – Marie, Victoria Simmonds
Angel 3 – John, Allan Clayton
With David Alexander, Laura Harling, Peter Hobday, Sarah Northgrave
Direction, Katie Mitchell
Scenography and costumes, Vicki Mortimer
Ligth, Jon Clark
Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France // Direction, George Benjamin
Commissioned et coproducted by the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, the Nederlandse Opera Amsterdam, the Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden London Corealisation Opéra Comique (Paris) ; Festival d’Automne à Paris
Partnership with France Inter

An Occitan razo relates the story of a troubadour named Guillem de Cabestany decapitated by a cuckolded nobleman who then served the lover’s heart to his unfaithful wife. George Benjamin’s music and Martin Crimp’s words, spoken by angels, form a subtle illumination – an illuminated manuscript of voice in an orchestral embrace.