Five Reasons To See … Narcissus and Echo
Anja Djordjevic‘s classical Greek myth – Narcissus and Echo is transformed into an enchanting new chamber opera and it opens next week at the Lowry Studio space. We caught up with producer Milan Govedarica who gives us five reasons why you should see the show in Salford.
1. The piece
Narcissus and Echo is a well composed piece of opera written in 2000, which incorporates the best of the classical baroque opera tradition with modern form. For the last 16 months I’ve been working on it – I’ve listened to it nearly every day and still haven’t got bored. The author Anja Djordjevic is a gem yet to be discovered by the British audiences. The original libretto bordering absurdist was written by a playwright and poet Marija Stojanovic and skilfully translated into English version by Morag Galloway (MD).
2. Accessibility
It doesn’t take an opera fanatic or an exceptionally educated person to be able to enjoy it. If you’re open to new experiences and like music – it’s there to be heard, enjoyed and its running time is about an hour.
3. Talent showcase
The ensemble consists of mainly young and talented singers and musicians from across the North, from universities of York, Manchester and Leeds and the creative team is a combination of very young but professionally proven director Chris Hill, MD Morag Galloway and Designers Lucy Read (designed the Olivier Award winning La Boheme), Giulia Scrimieri and Lighting Designer Kelli Zezulka
4. Never been seen
This opera has never been seen outside Belgrade and the Lowry opening is the world premiere of this new English translation. In a sense it does feel like a privilege being able to witness brand new piece of work, on your doorstep and not in London.
5. The Experience
Narcissus and Echo is a pocket-sized opera performed by four singers and seven musicians. Experiencing the performance from such ‘close quarters’ certainly makes it feel more intimate, intense and engaging than the usual end-on grand shows.
Narcissus and Echo is at the Lowry from 5 – 7 October.
