Book of Mountains and Seas listing on Broadway Baby

UK PREMIERE

Ancient Chinese myths inspire Huang Ruo's opera, confronting humanity's complex relationship with nature.

A giant tries to capture the sun. A drowned princess seeks revenge on the ocean. Ten suns compete to light the Earth.

Huang Ruo, one of the most exciting figures of contemporary opera, reimagines ancient Chinese myths, first transcribed in the fourth century BC, through the lens of todays environmental challenges. This 21st-century adaptation explores our complex relationship with the natural world, blending music, puppetry and mythology to reflect on humanitys role as caretakers of the Earth.

Directed by Basil Twist, the Olivier Award-winning designer of My Neighbour Totoro, the performance features the Danish choir Ars Nova Copenhagen, joined by an exceptional ensemble of percussionists and puppeteers. With timeless myths of creation, water and elemental forces, Book of Mountains and Seas reminds us of the pressing need for a collective respect for nature.

Huang Ruo Composer & Librettist

Basil Twist Director & Production Designer

Miles Lallemant Music Director

Ayumu Poe Saegusa Lighting Designer

Co-Produced by Beth Morrison Projects, The Big Sing, Ars Nova Copenhagen, and Soundstreams.

Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects, Ars Nova Copenhagen, Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech, Toronto Soundstreams, Koorbiennale, Hong Kong New Vision Arts Festival, and Linda and Stuart Nelson.

There will be a post-show talk on 15 Aug. Post-show talks are an informal opportunity for you to connect further with artists. It will begin 10 minutes after the performance ends and is expected to last no more than 30 minutes. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as suits you.

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