"Greek" - An Anti-Opera

Philip Glass finds a new simplicity in an impressive première production of The Trial from Music Theatre Wales. 

Music Theatre Wales’ production of Salvatore Sciarrino’s The Killing Flower begins in darkness. Michael McCarthy’s highly stylized production fits with the music, which is a fitting interpretation of extreme emotions: love that knows no control and no reason.

Greek packs a punch. Especially in Music Theatre Wales’ simple production, here at the Royal Opera House Linbury Studio Theatre. Mark-Antony Turnage’s music brings Steven Berkoff’s play to life.

Combining Steven Berkoff’s brutally in-yer-face libretto with the gutsy music of Mark-Anthony Turnage was bound to be an explosive mix. The result was Greek, Turnage’s first opera (or, more accurately, Singspiel), first performed in 1988 and now given an inspiring new airing from Music Theatre Wales. Berkoff’s text was adapted from his own play, based on the Oedipus myth.

With Aigul Akhmetshina and Seokjong Baek in the title roles, there are reasons to be optimistic, but The Royal Opera's revival of Richard Jones' production is a mixed bag.

Kip Williams and ENO mount an extraordinary new production of Du Yun and Royce Vavrek’s multifaceted opera, with performances of great emotional directness broadcast live on camera.