A powerful story of courage and survival in the face of repression, The Handmaid’s Tale is based on Margaret Atwood’s major novel of the same name.
Poul Ruders’ opera features a score that draws on medieval chants and gospel music. Together with a minimalist libretto by Paul Bentley, this production captures the dissonant brutality of the Republic of Gilead.
Women have been entirely stripped of their freedom and rights in Gilead. Fertile women, Handmaids, are forced to reproduce with Commanders of the Republic. Terror is a daily reality for Handmaid Offred. She defies the regime, refusing to surrender her identity and independence.
This thought-provoking work, revived after a successful run in 2022, asks questions around State power and the fragility of freedom.
Directed by Annilese Miskimmon, the ENO’s Artistic Director and conducted by Joana Carneiro the production has an exceptional cast including mezzo-sopranos Kate Lindsey as Offred and Susan Bickley as her mother, with soprano Rachel Nicholls as Aunt Lydia, Avery Amereau as Serena Joy, James Creswell as The Commander and ENO Harewood Artist John Findon as Luke.
‘One of the most powerful operas of the century’ The Financial Times
‘Three absorbing hours; well worth your time’ The Times
‘It is constantly gripping’ The Telegraph
‘Every aspect of the singing and production is impressive’ The Observer
2h 45m (incl. interval)
1st February, 2024
15th February, 2024
15+
This production depicts scenes of sexual violence, suicide, death, coercive and controlling behaviour and contains strong language throughout.
Location: West End
Railway station: Charing Cross
Bus numbers: St. Martin's Lane 24, 29, 176 / 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139
Night bus numbers: St. Martin's Lane 24, 176, N5, N20, N29, N41, N279 / 6, 23, 139, N9, N15, N11, N13, N21, N26, N44, N47, N87, N89, N91, N155, N343, N551
Car park: Q-Park: Chinatown (5mins) / Other: St Martin's Lane Hotel (1min)
Directions from tube: (3mins) Take Cranbourn Street until St Martin’s Lane, where you head right until you reach the theatre.
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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