The Opera Group, in association with London Sinfonietta, is looking for musicians, actors, spoken word artists, dancers and singers aged 16-23 for our production Bow Down by Harrison Birtwistle and Tony Harrison. The nine performers will make up a diverse interdisciplinary ensemble that will work with The Opera Group’s production team and London Sinfonietta mentors for a national tour in Summer 2012.
Synopsis of Bow Down
A Blind Harpist recounts a sinister tale of thwarted desire, unnatural betrayal and violent jealousy.
When the Fair Sister is courted by the Suitor, the Dark Sister commits a terrible act of betrayal. As her crime echoes through the land and through the ages, so she receives bloody retribution in the parable’s brutal conclusion.
Evocative of the narratives of Grimm, Federico Garcia Lorca and Sarah Kane in its exploration of repression, sexand death, this ancient murder ballad – of which numerous variants exist in Briain, Scandinavia and America – is reimagined for a diverse contemporary audience.
The Production
Applicants will be selected to take part in a workshop in February in Central London. The session will be run by The Opera Group’s Artistic Director Frederic Wake-Walker and will include vocal work, music and movement.
Rehearsals for Bow Down will begin in April and will culminate in a national tour which will open at the Brighton Festival and include two performances at Latitude Festival.
The specific forces required
2 oboists, 1 flautist, 1 percussionist, 5 actors – but all will be required to sing, play percussion and rudimentary wind instruments with varying skill requirements.
This is a paid opportunity – we will confirm the fee at a later date.
How to apply
Send a short biography (up to 250 words) detailing your relevant experience and outlining what skills you could contribute to the workshop, with a headshot and links to michellethomas@theoperagroup.co.uk. No hard copies please.
Schedule – 2012
Deadline for submissions: 13 Jan
Successful applicants notified: 20 Jan
Workshop: 4/5 Feb
Casting: week of 6 Feb
Induction session: Mid-March
Rehearsals: 23 April-16 May
Premiere: 17 May
