The Minotaur
Harrison Birtwistle's reworking of an ancient myth had its premiere at the Royal Opera House in 2008. The opera's dark beauty shows one of our leading composers at the height of his powers.
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Introduction
The Minotaur – half-bull, half-man – has been imprisoned in a labyrinth on the island of Crete. Young men and women are sacrificed to him each year to repay an old debt. Can Theseus end this bloodshed?
News and features
Watch: Ryan Wigglesworth on The Minotaur
The British conductor and composer speaks about Harrison Birtwistle's mythical opera.
Your Reaction: The Minotaur
Your tweets about the opening night of Harrison Birtwistle's mythical opera.
Opera Essentials: The Minotaur
As the mythical Minotaur returns to the main stage, an introduction to Harrison Birtwistle's acclaimed opera.
A tailor-made trio of operas
From The Minotaur to Anna Nicole: some recent role creations in Royal Opera commissions.
Background
Harrison Birtwistle's reading of this ancient Greek myth focuses on the troubled inner world of the Minotaur, and his longing to discover his true identity and voice. Poet David Harsent provides a libretto of lyrical intensity, continuing a rich, creative partnership with Birtwistle – the pair have worked on a number of operas together, including Gawain, which was also commissioned by The Royal Opera and first performed here in 1991.
The Minotaur brings a raw and visceral dramatic world to the stage. The Overture is played against a backdrop of menacing waves, which herald the darkness to come. Alison Chitty's elegant designs reimagine the centre of the labyrinth as an amphitheatre-like space, where the Minotaur gores his victims. But the Minotaur also has a human side – during his dreams he acquires language and gives voice to his dark existence in monologues of poignant power. The central role, written for the acclaimed bass John Tomlinson, wears a bull's head mask, reminiscent of those used in ancient Greek rituals.
Guidance
This production contains violence and sexual scenes.
Running time
The performance lasts about 2 hours 40 minutes | Including one interval. Part one will last for about 1 hour 27 minutes followed by an interval of 25 minutes. Part two will last for about 55 minutes.
Language
Sung in English with surtitles
Credits
| Director | Stephen Langridge |
| Composer | Harrison Birtwistle |
| Libretto | David Harsent |
| Designs | Alison Chitty |
| Lighting design | Paul Pyant |
| Choreography | Philippe Giraudeau |
| Video design | Leo Warner |
| Video design | Mark Grimmer |
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Related links
- www.youtube.com Watch our YouTube playlist for The Minotaur
- en.wikipedia.org The Minotaur – synopsis
- www.youtube.com The Labyrinth scene extract - The Minotaur
- www.opusarte.com DVD: Birtwistle - The Minotaur (ROH)
