English National Opera has announced that Emma Rice will make her operatic debut this autumn with a new adaptation of Jacques Offenbach‘s riotous operetta, Orpheus in the Underworld (1858).
Freely adapted from the original French by Emma Rice and Tom Morris, the new production forms part of ENO’s Orpheus Series, a reimagining of four operas exploring the Orpheus myth. Each is interpreted by four directors from diverse theatrical disciplines, all in sets by renowned designer Lizzie Clachan.
The production will star tenor Ed Lyon as Orpheus, established ENO star Mary Bevan as Eurydice, baritone Lucia Lucas as Public Opinion, bass-baritone Sir Willard White as Jupiter – with Robert Haywood taking over on 21, 26 & 28 November – Alan Oke as John Styx, ENO Harewood Artists Alex Otterburn and Idunnu Münch as Pluto and Diana, Anne-Marie Owens as Juno, Keel Watson as Mars, Judith Howarth as Venus, and Ellie Laugharne as Cupid.
Former ENO Music Director Sian Edwards takes the conductor’s baton, with current Mackerras Fellow Valentina Peleggi supporting for three performances in November.
The set is designed by Lizzie Clachan, with costumes by Lez Brotherston, choreography by Etta Murfitt, lighting design by Malcolm Rippeth, and sound design by Simon Baker.
Orpheus in the Underworld opens Saturday 5 October at 7:30pm at the London Coliseum for 12 performances: Oct 5, 11, 23, 30 & Nov 1, 8, 12, 21, 26 at 19.30. Oct 19 at 14.00. Oct 26 at 13.45. Nov 28 at 19.00
For more information, and to book tickets, please Click Here.
