We two were lovers – The Sea and I

Friday 2 June - Friday 14 July 2023

Running time: 45 minutes  

Age guidance: 11+ 

Performed in English by a singer and harpist, We two were lovers - The Sea and I centres around Toria Banks’ new, contemporary version of Haydn’s dramatic cantata Ariadne on Naxos, with additional music by Wagner, Dvorak, Rebecca Clark, Coleridge Taylor and Michael Betteridge, with poetry by Emily Dickinson and Carol Ann Duffy.

Thematically linked and running adjacent to OperaUpClose’s national tour of The Flying Dutchman, We two were lovers is powerful musical storytelling addressing critical issues of our time – the movement of people, an island mentality and our complex love affair with the sea. This intense and eclectic programme speaks to lovers of spoken word and alternative music nights, to regular theatre-goers, and to all those who enjoy stories of the human condition.

All performances will be followed by an informal post-show discussion with the performers and creative team.

New Ariadne on Naxos libretto generously supported by Fiona Shaw.

You can download the programme here.

CAST

  • Catherine Hooper graduated with distinction from the Royal College of Music, where she was the Jessie Sumner Scholar. She is an Opera Prelude Young Artist, a former SongEasel Young Artist, and an Open Music Foundation artist. In 2022, Catherine was a member of the Glyndebourne Chorus for their festival and tour, and she performed solos from Mozart’s Requiem in Glyndebourne outreach projects. During her studies at RCM, Catherine covered the Queen of the Night (Die Zauberflöte) with the RCM Opera Studio and performed extracts from various roles in opera scenes, including the Countess (Le nozze di Figaro), Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) and Alcina (Handel).

Team

Young Woman (singer) Catherine Hooper

Young Woman (Harp) Nicolette Chin

Curator/Director Flora McIntosh

VENUES & TOUR DATES

Friday 2 June (public work in progress sharing)
MAST, Southampton
6pm


Quay Arts, Isle of Wright
Postponed until Autumn 2023

Friday 16 June
The Key, Peterborough
6pm

Sunday 18 June  + live-streamed panel discussion
Trinity Buoy Wharf, London 
2pm

 Friday 14 July 
Grand Junction, London 
1.30pm

Generously supported by Arts Council England, Backstage Trust, Cockayne - Grants for the Arts and The London Community Foundation (LONDON PERFORMANCES), The Kobler Trust and TRINITY BUOY WHARF TRUST