Francis Poulenc & Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

The Human Voice & Susanna’s Secret

"a brilliant short opera in the shape of Poulenc’s The Human Voice, and Opera Theatre Company’s new production at the Watergate Theatre, directed by Tom Creed and starring the soprano Kim Sheehan... was simple, to the point and found real beauty in this 60-minute modernist gem. Irish Times

"executed with verve and elan... this lively translation was a hoot Irish Examiner  Susanna's Secret

"superb" **** Irish Mail on Sunday

The stylish and sophisticated Susanna’s Secret (Il segreto di Susanna), is a comedy opera built on marital misunderstanding, full of fun and frothiness. A man suspects his wife is having an affair when he smells cigarette smoke from her clothes, and strives to discover her secret with hilarious consequences. OTC OPERA HUB artists Rachel Croash (soprano) and Rory Musgrave (baritone) star in Wolf-Ferrari’s opera, which is wryly observant about the secrets that couples keep. Tom Creed directs, with Andrew Synnott on piano, Lynda O Connor on violin and Ailbhe McDonagh on cello. Sung in English, in a new translation by Tom Swift, this is a rare opportunity for opera lovers to see this classic short work, and a perfect introduction to opera for newcomers. 

The Human Voice (La voix humaine) explores the themes of love and loss, a young woman is driven to the point of desperation as she tries to tries to connect with her ex-lover over the telephone. Soprano Kim Sheehan (OTC OPERA HUB) stars in this deep and emotional depiction of the aftermath of a relationship, accompanied by Andrew Synnott and directed by Tom Creed in a new translation by Richard Stokes. Poulenc creates an atmospheric and theatrical soundscape, using unaccompanied vocal singing interspersed with evocative musical outbursts to convey the woman’s heartbreak and loss. 

 

Susanna's Secret (Opera Theatre Company) from Opera Theatre Company on Vimeo.

10 Venue Nationwide Tour

Wed 11 Nov Bray Mermaid Arts Centre
Thurs 12 Nov Tallaght Civic Theatre
Fri 13 Nov Drogheda Droichead Arts Centre
Sat 14 Nov Longford Backstage Theatre
Mon 16 Nov Carlow VISUAL
Wed 17 Nov Roscommon Roscommon Arts Centre
Fri 20 Nov Tralee Siamsa Tire
Sat 21 Nov Thurles Source Arts Centre
Mon 23 Nov Galway Town Hall Theatre
Tues 24 Nov Dun Laoghaire Pavilion Theatre

""Soprano Kim Sheehan sang powerfully and movingly, the best I've ever heard her" THE HUMAN VOICE"
Irish Times
"Baritone Rory Musgrave had a terrific comic touch, bringing slapstick physicality to the role SUSANNA'S SECRET"
Irish Examiner
"sheer beauty and strength of Kim Sheehan's soprano voice in a hugely demanding role THE HUMAN VOICE"
Irish Examiner

Production Information

The Human Voice Cast

Soprano Kim Sheehan
Piano Andrew Synnott

Susanna's Secret Cast

Susanna Rachel Croash
Gil Rory Musgrave
Sante Ian Whyte

Creative Team

Music Director Andrew Synnott
Director Tom Creed
Set & Lighting Designer Ciaran O'Melia
Costume Designer Deirdre Dwyer
Assistant Director Eoghan Carrick


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The Human Voice & Susanna’s Secret

2015

The Human Voice & Susanna’s Secret

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