Double Bill - Savitri / The Emperor Of Atlantis

Two contrasting pieces united by the figure of Death.

In 1916 Holst’s keen interest in eastern mysticism led him to consult the epic ancient Indian text, the Mahabarata, and write Savitri, the first English chamber opera since the 17th century. Death presents himself to Savitri and demands the life of her husband Satyavan. Is Savitri clever enough to outwit Death?

By contrast, The Emperor of Atlantis is a previously banned political satire written in the Czech concentration camp of Terezin in the 1940s. Although written with clear parallels to Hitler, it has also been described as a parable of hope, and is still relevant to our modern world.

Programme:
Savitri by Gustav Holst
The Emperor of Atlantis by Viktor Ullmann

Caroline Clegg Director
Lionel Friend Conductor
Louie Whitemore Set & Costume Designer
Davy Cunningham Lighting Designer