Nobel Prize-winning poets Seamus Heaney and Derek Walcott will unveil a new operatic interpretation of “Burial at Thebes” this October at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. The libretto is adapted from Heaney’s play “Burial at Thebes,” which is based on the ancient Greek play “Antigone” by Sophocles. In this new production, the ancient Greek tale will transported to a modern-day South American republic.
Peter Manning of the Royal Opera House commissioned the new opera for his ensemble the Manning Camerata. Manning chose Trinidad born composer Dominique Le Gendre to write the score. Le Gendre was one of the first women to be named an associate artist at the Royal Opera House. In an article about the opera, Heaney told The Guardian, “Their partnership is bound to produce work where the tragic note of the original Antigone will sound more deeply and the pity and the terror strike home more immediately.”
The opera marks a series of firsts including the first time a fully staged opera is presented at the Globe; the first time Heaney has given permission for an operatic treatment of one of his works; and the first time Dereck Walcott has directed an opera.
Burial at Thebes” will be performed at the Globe on 11 and 12 October, 2008 before starting a national tour.
Web Resources:
The Guardian - Heaney to stage an opera at the Globe
