Friend of the People

Archive Listings for Friend of the People

T01981232992 (SCOTOP99) A new opera.Conductor Richard Farnes. Director Christopher Alden. Design Allen Moyer. Costume Joanna Parker. Lighting Heather Carson. Performer Peter Savidge. Performer Fraser McNicol. Performer Stephen Rooke. Performer Alexander Anderson-Hall. Performer Geoffrey Moses. Performer Michael Druiett. Performer Philip Salmon. Performer Clarissa Meek. Performer Ann Archibald. Performer Kathleen Wilkinson. Performer Colin Iveson. Performer Michael Pearce. Performer Stephen Garner. Performer David Llewellyn.
7 Dec 99 to 11 Dec 99	Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623 listing details L01714244086
17 Nov 99 to 19 Nov 99	Festival Theatre, Edinburgh :: V600 listing details L0784809923
6 Nov 99 to 11 Dec 99	Theatre Royal, Glasgow :: V623 listing details L0287981150

Details

Opera or Operetta :: The story of Friends of the People, unites themes of national struggle, democracy and love against a musical background of David Horne's vigorous and energetic composition. Set in Scotland at the time of the French Revolution, the opera brings to the stage the excitement of the life and struggles of the young Scottish advocate and parliamentary reformer, Thomas Muir of Huntershill, who dared to champion democracy against a fearful and oppressive government. Sustained by love and affectionate friends, dashed by betrayal, condemned by a corrupted Scottish law court, Thomas reflects the hopes and doubts of a free spirit moved by passionate commitment. Confronting brutality with idealistic purpose, his amazing odyssey across the world moves through a battle at sea to a personal climax which causes Thomas, rejected at home and honoured abroad, to seek to resolve the very meaning of his life - a true hero for our time. The operatic score is intensely dramatic and ranges from the sweep of jubilant orchestral passages to the profoundly intimate moments of Muir's self-reflection. Horne's use of the French revolutionary song 'Ca ira' as a motif throughout the opera adds a remarkable poignancy to Muir's struggle against the intransigence of the Scottish Opera.

Music	David Horne
Lyrics	Robert Maclennan