Details

Doctor Dee was the archetypal Renaissance Man studying the world from astrology and alchemy to physics and philosophy. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable and, as a key advisor to Elizabeth I, he is credited with providing much of the intelligence which shaped 'the British Empire' established under her rule. Dee also dabbled in the occult and, ultimately, this fascination destroyed him. Conned by a deranged medium, Dee's career ended in disgrace and sexual scandal and he died discredited and penniless. Albarn's music is an ingenious mix of pop vocals, much of which he will perform live on-stage, with contemporary orchestral music played on 16th-century period instruments. Rufus Norris's staging presents five centuries of English history and the three realms of earth, heaven and hell.

Creatives/Company

Music: Damon Albarn
Producer(s): English National Opera, Manchester International Festival, London 2012 Festival
Conductor: Stephen Higgins
Director(s): Rufus Norris, Scott Graham (movement), Steven Hoggett (movement), Frantic Assembly (movement)
Design(s): Paul Atkinson, Lysander Ashton (video - for 59 Productions)
Costume(s): Katrina Lindsay, Jonathan Lipman (associate costume designer)
Lighting: Paule Constable)
Sound: Paul Arditti
Other: Andre de Ridder (orchestration consultant)