Sky in a Small Cage, our latest commission from Rolf Hind, is a new opera which presents a poetic reflection on the life and works of Sufi poet, Rumi, evoking both intense anguish and profound joy. It focuses on his relationship with his master, muse and beloved, Shams who was (it is suspected) murdered at the hands of Rumi’s brothers. The story is told with words written specifically by award-winning poet, Dante Micheaux together with translations of Rumi’s own poetry. A multi-disciplinary cast directed by Frederic Wake-Walker will bring each tableau to life using song, musical interludes and dance.
Drum sound rises on the air, its throb, my heart. A voice inside the beat says, ‘I know you’re tired, but come. This is the Way.’ Rumi
Lone flames burning near each other sometimes meet; come together without fear to share the air – beloved’s feat when two the same endear. Dante Micheaux
The piece was developed in partnership with the Barbican and Copenhagen Opera Festival, with premiere performances in August and September 2024.
If you thought that new opera could only be starkly realistic depictions of the world's decay, after SKY IN A SMALL CAGE at the Copenhagen Opera Festival, you might think again. The last work of the festival pointed in a completely different direction: mystery, hope, love.
SEISMOGRAF
The British composer Rolf Hind's newly written work, SKY IN A SMALL CAGE, is a demanding, mind-rich and complicated work, where the message is that the overriding love of God is in everything.
SCENE BLOG
...a beautiful, almost sensual experience about life's joys, and perhaps sorrows, across national borders.
THE CULTURE COMPARTMENT
Rolf Hind's kaleidoscopic composition frames the story in an original, musical atmosphere...
DETSKUDUSE.DK
World Premiere
25 August 2024 – 20:00
Danish Academy Concert Hall, Copenhagen, as part of the Copenhagen Opera Festival
UK Premiere
08 September 2024 – 19:30
Barbican Concert Hall, London
Creative team
Composed by Rolf Hind
Text for music by Dante Micheaux
With additional text from Jalal al-Din Rumi
Dramaturgy and direction Frederic Wake-Walker
Music Director Aaron Holloway-Nahum
Designer Sasha Balmazi-Owen
Movement Director Rosabel Huguet
Cast
The Narrator – Elaine Mitchener
I and You (becoming Rumi) – James Hall
Bird of the Sun – Shams e Parande – Yannis François
Shaman of the Birds/Kerra, Rumi’s wife – Loré Lixenberg
Ensemble - Siddhii Lagrutta (soprano), Karima El Demerdasch (alto), Anika Venkatesh (alto), Rylan Gleave (tenor), Ty Bouque (baritone), Harald Hieronymus Hein (bass)
Onstage musicians - Athelas Sinfonietta (Copenhagen) and Riot Ensemble (London)
Commission supported with generous funding from the Nicholas Berwin Charitable Trust, with additional production support from Cockayne - Grants for the Arts, Hinrichsen Foundation, André & Rosalie Hoffmann, Anthony Newhouse, John Walton and Christian Wells.
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