Bartók’s beautiful, mysterious opera is directed by Matthew Lenton, founder of genre-busting stage creators Vanishing Point. It is staged alongside The 8th Door, a new work Lenton has created with Scottish Opera Composer in Residence Lliam Paterson, delving further into Bluebeard’s secretive world to create an ambitious double bill that is set to enthral and intrigue. Read more …
Bluebeard’s Castle is a tale of mystery, obsession, murder and infatuation, to which Lenton brings a disturbing dose of contemporary resonance. From the spine-tingling to the truly unsettling, Bartók’s music contrasts the intimacy of just two singers with one of the richest orchestrations in opera. Internationally acclaimed singers Karen Cargill and Robert Hayward bring the characters to life.
There is an irony in Lenton and Vanishing Point coming up short on the visual front. Often, in recent times, their theatre work has been stronger in form than in content. Yet here, with a great Modernist masterpiece in their hands, it is their visual imagination that lets them down.
Matthew Lenton and Lliam Paterson--The 8th Door/Bluebeard's Castle
Theatre director Matthew Lenton wants to put people in touch with their inner darkness.
Lliam Paterson on Bluebeard's Castle & The 8th Door.
Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Tuesday March 28, 2017, until Saturday April 1, 2017. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday April 5, 2017, until Saturday April 8, 2017. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival
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