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| Wagner: The Flying Dutchman – Robert Hayward as The Dutchman and Edgaras Montvidas as Erik/ Steersman – Opera North (Photo: James Glossop) |
As Opera North’s new production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman opened at the Grand Theatre, Leeds on Saturday 1 February 2025, we present a series of images from the production. The conductor is Garry Walker and the director is Annabel Arden with set, costume and video design by Joanna Parker, and lighting designer by Kevin Treacy. Robert Hayward is The Dutchman with Layla Claire as Senta, Clive Bayley as Daland and Edgaras Montvidas as Erik/ Steersman. (At the first night, Layla Claire walked the role and Mari Wyn Williams sang from the side of the stage, though Claire will be back in harness for the remainder of the performances).
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| Wagner: The Flying Dutchman – Robert Hayward as The Dutchman with the Chorus of Opera North – Opera North (Photo: James Glossop) |
Described by The Guardian as ‘thought provoking and moving’, director Annabel Arden and designer Joanna Parker’s production reimagines the action to take place on our ‘ship of state’: the Home Office.
Reflecting the fact that Opera North holds Theatre of Sanctuary status, the show’s creative team have been able to connect with those who have lived experience of seeking refuge, and you will hear recordings of their voices at the opera’s opening — the voices of the voiceless.
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| Wagner: The Flying Dutchman – Layla Claire as Senta with the Chorus of Opera North – Opera North (Photo: James Glossop) |
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| Wagner: The Flying Dutchman – Edgaras Montvidas as Erik/ Steersman, Layla Claire as Senta and Robert Hayward as The Dutchman with members of the Chorus of Opera North – Opera North (Photo: James Glossop) |
There are four more performances of The Flying Dutchman at Grand Theatre, Leeds until 21 February and then the production is touring to Newcastle Theatre Royal, the Lowry, Salford Quays, Theatre Royal, Nottingham and Hull New Theatre.
Full details from the Opera North website.
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| Wagner: The Flying Dutchman – Robert Hayward as The Dutchman and Layla Claire as Senta – Opera North (Photo: James Glossop) |
