Breaking the Waves (opera)

Breaking the Waves is an opera in three acts by Missy Mazzoli with a libretto by Royce Vavrek. It is based on the 1996 film of the same name by Danish auteur Lars von Trier.[1]

Synopsis

Set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1970s, Breaking the Waves tells the story of Bess McNeill, a religious young woman with a deep love for her husband Jan, a handsome oil rig worker. When Jan becomes paralyzed in an off-shore accident, Bess’s marital vows are put to the test as he encourages her to seek other lovers and return to his bedside to tell him of her sexual activities. He insists that the stories will feel like they are making love together and keep him alive. Bess’s increasing selflessness leads to a finale of divine grace, but at great cost.[2]

Commissioning

The opera was commissioned and premiered by Opera Philadelphia.[3] The work was co-commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects.[4]

Roles

Role Voice type Premiere cast, September 22, 2016
(Conductor: Steven Osgood)
Bess soprano Kiera Duffy
Jan baritone John Moore
Dodo mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti
Mother soprano Patricia Schuman
Dr. Richardson tenor David Portillo
Terry bass-baritone Zachary James
Minister baritone Marcus DeLoach
Sadistic Sailor baritone John David Miles
The Runt tenor George Ross Somerville
The Stone Thrower tenor Daniel Taylor

Critical reception

"Missy Mazzoli’s “Breaking the Waves,” which had its world premiere at Opera Philadelphia on Thursday, is savage, heartbreaking and thoroughly original. The 1996 Lars von Trier film on which it is based has a disturbing undercurrent of violent misogyny, but the operatic Bess McNeill, for all her frailties, is no victim. Classic tragic opera heroines may weep and die, but Bess, as conceived by Ms. Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek, and sung by the extraordinary Kiera Duffy, is an evolving, unforgettable character." Heidi Waleson, The Wall Street Journal[5]

"It is not easy to find new operas that command attention, tell their story lucidly and create a powerful, permeating mood. Dark and daring, “Breaking the Waves” does all this with sensitivity and style." Zachary Woolfe, The New York Times[6]

References

  1. ↑ "Opera Philadelphia: Breaking the Waves by Missy Mazzoli". 26 July 2016.
  2. ↑ https://www.operaphila.org/whats-on/on-stage-2016-2017/breaking-the-waves/
  3. ↑ Cooper, Michael. "Opera Philadelphia Will Mount 'Breaking the Waves' Adaptation".
  4. ↑ Philadelphia, Opera. "Breaking the Waves - Breaking the Waves".
  5. ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/breaking-the-waves-turandot-and-macbeth-reviews-adultery-in-the-name-of-love-1474923154
  6. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/26/arts/music/review-breaking-the-waves-lends-musical-heft-to-a-von-trier-tale.html


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