Scottish Opera is set to make its debut on OperaVision with Anthropocene, the acclaimed new work from composer Stuart MacRae and librettist Louise Welsh. The film will be available to view worldwide on the free streaming platform from 17 May to 17 November 2019, allowing audiences beyond the theatre to experience this thrilling new opera.
Anthropocene was praised in The Observer as an ‘edge-of-seat thriller’ which was ‘approachable but also bold, independent and varied.’ The Herald lauded the ‘fine characterisation’ while The Guardian commented on the ‘colourful orchestral writing, ably performed by Stuart Stratford and The Orchestra of Scottish Opera.’
Directed by Matthew Richardson and designed by Samal Blak, Anthropocene tells the story of a team of expeditionary scientists who become trapped in the frozen Arctic wastelands. It had its world premiere in January 2019 at Theatre Royal Glasgow, and was conducted by Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford.
Anthropocene was filmed at London’s Hackney Empire on 9 February. The film was directed by Jonathan Haswell and produced by Andrew Lockyer. The ensemble cast includes former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Jennifer France, Jeni Bern, Stephen Gadd, Benedict Nelson, Mark Le Brocq, Paul Whelan, Anthony Gregory and Sarah Champion.
Anthropocene also marked Scottish Opera’s debut at the Hackney Empire, bringing this production to a London audience and now, through OperaVision, to a worldwide audience.
OperaVision launched in 2017. Curated by Opera Europa, the European association of opera companies and festivals, it streams performances from all over the world, allowing audiences a chance to watch productions from the greatest European opera houses in the comfort of their own homes.
Anthropocene is available to watch from 17 May at https://operavision.eu/en