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Orpheus in the Underworld

Scottish Opera and Northern Ireland Opera present the new translation by Rory Bremner.

Offenbach’s irreverent romp features some of the funniest dialogue and daftest situations in French opera. Originally written to satirize the government of Napoleon III’s France, here the action is updated to the present day, as director Oliver Mears (Artistic Director of Northern Ireland Opera) draws gleeful parallels with our media-savvy, celebrity-obsessed world. Read more …

Eurydice is married to Orpheus, a musician who, in her opinion, plays the violin badly. Fed up with her husband, she falls for the randy and devious Pluto and is soon caught up in a somewhat hellish situation. Meanwhile, bored to tears and spying an interesting situation unfolding, Public Opinion muscles in to ‘help’ Orpheus rescue his wife. But does she want to be rescued?

Offenbach’s catchy tunes and wicked sense of humour take the characters from one ridiculous situation to another, all culminating in his riotous ‘Cancan’. With a specially-commissioned translation by comedian and political satirist Rory Bremner, this promises to be a fast-moving evening of wit, mayhem and madness.

Please note: Contains some adult content - recommended for ages 14+

More information on this production is available at www.scottishopera.org.uk.

The critical consensus

Scottish Opera’s latest production, if just a tad more high-end in production values and attached star names, is no less accessible or entertaining fare, and proof that a night at the opera really isn’t as daunting as some might think.

Alan Chadwick, STV, 09/09/2011

For all the clarity and invention, the lack of an orchestra and chorus makes it all feel a little thin.

Thom Dibdin, The Stage, 09/09/2011

At its best, Oliver Mears's bubble and froth production gives sharp edge to Bremner's contemporary satire. At its worst it descends into token farce.

***(*)(*)Kenneth Walton, The Scotsman, 11/09/2011

An absolute triumph!

James Munro, Northings, 12/09/2011

While a very entertaining production, Mears’ Orpheus in the Underworld is a timely, but somewhat clichéd foray into the cult appeal of celebrity and the affects of the financial crisis. Nevertheless it reveals the true power of Offenbach’s hilarious parody of classic Greek tragedy.

***(*)(*)Amy Taylor, The Journal, 14/09/2011

Where and when?

On Tour, from Thursday September 8, 2011, until Saturday October 22, 2011.

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