The English National Opera has released details of its 2016/2017 season which will see the London Coliseum increase the number of productions it presents to 11 (10 fully staged and one concert hall staging).
It was also announced that the English National Opera year will be divided into Autumn and Spring seasons at the iconic London venue, while the Summer programme of work will take place in venues across the city and beyond.
Details of the new season of work taking place at the English National Opera includes:
The Winter’s Tale: 27th February – 14th March 2017 – this production will mark the directorial debut of actor Rory Kinnear as well as the world premiere production of Ryan Wigglesworth’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s play.
Many years ago, in the grip of a jealous rage, King Leontes caused the death of his loyal wife Hermione and their young son. All seemed lost for him. But now, as spring blossoms, Leontes stands repentant before a statue of his queen, praying for a miracle of redemption.
Lulu: 9th November- 19th November 2016 – conducted by Mark Wigglesworth and directed by South African artist and director Willian Kentridge, making his debut at the ENO with his production of Berg’s opera, a production that was critical success with runs at the Dutch National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Everyone falls victim to her fascinating beauty and irresistible magnetism. But it would be too simple to see her as a dangerous and amoral seductress. Maybe Lulu herself is really the victim? Even before she meets someone more deadly than she is.
Don Giovanni: 30th September- 26th October 2016 – opening the English National Opera’s new season, is a new production of Mozart’s classic opera which is directed by Richard Jones. It will see Christopher Purves taking on the title role.
He takes what he wants, without conscience or care for consequences. And now, from beyond the grave, the man he murdered demands he repent. But for Don Giovanni, there can be no redemption. He lives for lust and seduction. And today he must go to Hell for them.
The Pirates of Penzance: 9th February – 25th March 2017 – this is a revival of Mike Leigh’s take on Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera, which was first performed in 2015, becoming the ENO’s most successful opera production.
Let’s get this straight. The pirates, who take pity on orphans, are really peers of the realm. The 21-year-old, who has sworn to put them behind bars, is really only five. And the policemen, whose lot is not a happy one, are really, really hopeless at foiling felons…
Other revivals in the English National Opera’s season includes: the 13th revival of Jonathan Miller’s production of Rigoletto (2nd-28th February 2017), Catherine Malfitano’s production of Puccini’s Tosca (3rd October-3rd December 2016). Penny Woolcock’s production of Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers also returns (19th October-2nd December). The season will come to an end with a revival of Christopher Alden’s Olivier-Award winning production of Handel’s Partenope (15th-24th March 2017).
For more information on other productions taking place as part of the ENO’s programme of work outside the London Coliseum, visit: https://www.eno.org/.