Programme

Ben Frost

The Wasp Factory

TheatreMusic

about 75 min22-23 June 2014 at Holland Festival, Amsterdam

Inspired by the most illustrious work of the late author, Iain Banks, with a libretto by David Pountney, Ben Frost's opera debut creates both a soundscape to narrate, and a visual realm to depict, the unsettling world of Banks’ infamous protagonist: the murderous teenager, Frank.

Banks’ characters, on the remote Scottish island where the story is based, are given a new setting, a new emotional significance, and new memories through Frost’s direction. His opera brings the novel into the 21stcentury, accompanied by amplified strings, electronics, and dark visuals, drawing emotions and presenting a challenge to each new audience.
Ben Frost on directing and composing "The Wasp Factory" (via youtube)

For further information see: www.thewaspfactory.is and Ben Frost's personal website ethermachines.com.

Commissioned by Kunst aus der Zeit / Bregenz Festival. A production by HAU Hebbel am Ufer (Berlin) and Laura Berman_Next, (Berlin) in co-production with Royal Opera House, (London) and Holland Festival (Amsterdam). The Wasp Factory is funded by the Hauptstadtkulturfonds Berlin (Capital Cultural Fund Berlin) and Nordic Culture Point.

The production is produced by permission of Iain Banks who is the owner of the copyright in the novel "The Wasp Factory".

The re-run is supported by the 'Wiederaufnahmefonds 2014 des Regierenden Bürgermeisters von Berlin, Senatskanzlei – Kulturelle Angelegenheiten'.

Cast

Libretto: David Pountney / Director: Ben Frost / Performed by: Lieselot De Wilde, Jördis Richter and Mariam Wallentin / Music is performed by : a string quintet from the Reykjavik Sinfonia / Stage Design: Mirella Weingarten / Costume Design : Boris Bidjan Saberi / Lighting Design : Lucy Carter / Sound Design : Daniel Rejmer / Associate Director: Sasha Milavic Davies / Music Production Associate to Ben Frost : Paul Corley / Technical Director : Jörg Schildbach / Assistant Stage and Costumes : Gabi Bartels

Dates

  • Past
    Thu 26.9.2013, 20:00 / HAU1
    Fri 27.9.2013, 20:00 / HAU1
    Sat 28.9.2013, 20:00 / HAU1
    Tue 17.6.2014, 20:30 / HAU1
    Wed 18.6.2014, 20:30 / HAU1

Location

HAU1
Stresemannstr. 29, 10963 Berlin

There are two marked parking spots in front of the building. Access to the Parkett by means of a separate entrance with lift when necessary. Barrier-free restroom facilities are available. Wheelchair users are kindly requested to register their attendance at least one day before the performance. Thank you for your understanding. If you need help, please contact our Ticketing & Service team at +49 (0)30 259004-27 or send us an email to tickets@hebbel-am-ufer.de.

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