Phaedra / Minotaur
A sensational double bill pairing Benjamin Britten’s final vocal work, the powerful cantata Phaedra, with the thrilling new dance piece Minotaur.
From opera and theatre director Deborah Warner and choreographer Kim Brandstrup comes an exciting new production inspired by Greek mythology. First, Benjamin Britten’s cantata tells the story of Phaedra and her all-consuming lust for her stepson, Hippolytus. Leading mezzo soprano Christine Rice reprises her Olivier Award-nominated performance accompanied by acclaimed pianist Richard Hetherington. The scalding power of Britten’s score pushes Phaedra towards her doom in an intense and thrilling drama.
In Minotaur, we meet Ariadne (Phaedra’s sister), her lover Theseus and her half brother–the Minotaur himself. Through Brandstrup’s moving choreography, we follow the characters’ conflict, lust and pain through the depths of the labyrinth.
A touch tour for blind or partially sighted audience members is available before the 3pm performance on 20 August. Find out more.
Performances are terrific. Rice’s Phaedra is powerhouse stuff, Richard Hetherington urgently propelling Britten’s score forward
It is incredibly beautiful and serene, with superb dancing from all concerned
Supported by
Geoff and Mary Ball
Phaedra
Benjamin Britten Composer
Deborah Warner Director
Antony McDonald Set and Costume Designer
Adam Silverman Lighting Designer
Christine Rice Phaedra
Richard Hetherington Musical Director and Piano
Minotaur
Kim Brandstrup Choreographer
Antony McDonald Set and Costume Designer
Jean Kalman Lighting Designer
Eilon Morris Composer, Sound Designer and Percussionist
Tommy Franzen, Jonathan Goddard, Isabel Lubach Dancers
Produced by Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath by arrangement with the Royal Opera House.