Details

Current, Rising is a 15-minute hyper reality opera experience, combining virtual reality with a multisensory set, blending historic stagecraft with cutting-edge technology. It invites audiences to step into an immersive, atmospheric virtual world and experience a dream-like journey carried musically by a poem layered in song. It is a radical new way of seeing opera in which you – the audience - are at the centre of the performance. Inspired by the liberation of Ariel at the end of Shakespeare's The Tempest, Current, Rising will take four people at a time into its magical universe, traversing together the landscapes of the night, from twilight to dawn - exploring ideas of isolation, connection, and collective reimagination - a powerful experience for our time. Developed by a female-led creative team, this timely artistic experiment is directed by video pioneer Netia Jones and designed by award-winning designer Joanna Scotcher. The music is by renowned composer Samantha Fernando, the libretto is by the celebrated performance maker Melanie Wilson, and the singing voice is acclaimed Baroque and contemporary music soprano Anna Dennis. Current, Rising is a collaboration between Audience Labs at the Royal Opera House, Figment Productions and StoryFutures at Royal Holloway, University of London. Time slots are available at 15-minute intervals from 9.40am to 7.25pm each day, excluding some times that are held for technical reset.

Cast/Performers

Anna Dennis (soprano), CHROMA (ensemble), Hayley Chilvers (dancer)

Creatives/Company

Music: Samantha Fernando
Author: Melanie Wilson
Director(s): Netia Jones, Anna Morrisey (movement director)
Design: Joanna Scotcher (and CG Art Director)
Other(s): Oly Spinks (CGI supervisor), Figment Productions (software development)
Sound: David Sheppard
Lighting: Zoe Spurr (installation lighting designer)
Conductor: Richard Baker