The past returns to throw the future into question in Na’ama Zisser’s anguished drama about family secrets and lost love — a constantly shifting soundscape of darkening harmonies and subtle textural gradations that create continuously evolving patterns of tension and release — It’s effectively done — Jay Scheib’s production evokes the threatening atmosphere of the darkened city. Even in the blackout, there is nowhere to hide.
Tim Ashley, The Guardian
Mamzer/Bastard
14–17 June 2018
at the Hackney Empire
The Royal Opera presents the world premiere of a new work by exciting young composer Na’ama Zisser, directed by Jay Scheib in a soundworld that unites contemporary opera idioms with the music of Orthodox Hasidic Judaism.
Performed by Gundula Hintz, Collin Shay, Robert Burt, Steven Page, Netanel Hershtik and Ed; Libretto by Samantha Newton and Rachel C. Zisser; Stage Design by Madeleine Boyd; Lighting designed by D.M. Wood; Video design and Live Camera by Paulina Jurzec; Soundtrack design Yair Elazar Glotman; Video Engineer Dominic Baker; Associate Designer Anna Bonomelli; Associate Director John Wilkie; Stage managed by Adam Lawley; Music performed by the Aurora Orchestra; Produced by the Royal Opera House, Senior Producer Sarah Crabtree, Producer Rachel Lerman
Composed by Na'ama Zisser / Conducted by Jessica Cottis / Directed by Jay Scheib
14–17 June 2018
at the Hackney Empire
The Royal Opera presents the world premiere of a new work by exciting young composer Na’ama Zisser, directed by Jay Scheib in a soundworld that unites contemporary opera idioms with the music of Orthodox Hasidic Judaism.
Performed by Gundula Hintz, Collin Shay, Robert Burt, Steven Page, Netanel Hershtik and Ed; Libretto by Samantha Newton and Rachel C. Zisser; Stage Design by Madeleine Boyd; Lighting designed by D.M. Wood; Video design and Live Camera by Paulina Jurzec; Soundtrack design Yair Elazar Glotman; Video Engineer Dominic Baker; Associate Designer Anna Bonomelli; Associate Director John Wilkie; Stage managed by Adam Lawley; Music performed by the Aurora Orchestra; Produced by the Royal Opera House, Senior Producer Sarah Crabtree, Producer Rachel Lerman
Composed by Na'ama Zisser / Conducted by Jessica Cottis / Directed by Jay Scheib