World premiere and Outburst 2023 Opening Event
THE HEADLESS SOLDIER
an opera triptych
Music | Conor Mitchell
Libretto | Mark Ravenhill
I want us – you, me – Zachary – to build a wall against the world.
Far away, a war rages. Here, everything is perfect. Or is it?
In a world premiere, two of the UK’s most vital and influential queer voices join forces for a three-part operatic first.
Mark Ravenhill (Shopping and Fucking) and Conor Mitchell’s (Abomination, a DUP opera) piercing new work looks beneath the perfect lives of Helen, her husband, Thomas and their haunted son, Zach – finding a hidden, much closer war.
The latest collaboration between the award-winning Belfast Ensemble and Outburst Queer Arts Festival, this powerful triptych of short operas is performed in one night, blending multi-media with live performance, international soloists and chamber orchestra.
A co-production between The Belfast Ensemble & Outburst Arts for Outburst Queer Arts Festival.
Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
EVENT INFORMATION:
Age suitability: 12+
Duration: 120 mins, with interval
Content Advice: Flashing images or strobe lighting / Strong or offensive language
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible. All performances will be captioned
