Abomination: A DUP Opera
Fusing opera with drag, cabaret and political satire, acclaimed composer Conor Mitchell and the Belfast Ensemble present their award-winning verbatim opera.
Revolutionary in form, Abomination centres on the scandalous live radio interview given by Northern Irish politician Iris Robinson, when she referred to homosexuality as an ‘abomination’.
The interview, now part of Irish queer history, instantly reignited the equality debate in this area of the UK.
With its high-impact, multi-disciplinary style, the Belfast Ensemble wraps this story in a fresh web of incendiary historical comments by DUP members on the subject of gay rights and marriage equality to shockingly theatrical effect – challenging the power of words in the hands of the powerful.
Contemporary, political, comic and emotionally complex, this riotous Northern Irish original redefines what a 21st-century opera could say, and why… and with just a touch of drag!
Cast includes the international soprano Rebecca Caine, and orchestral forces of the Belfast Ensemble.
Originally produced by The Belfast Ensemble and Outburst Arts for Outburst Queer Arts Festival 2019, with support from The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and British Council.
Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Culture Ireland.
Performers
- The Belfast Ensemble
- Tom Deering conductor
- Rebecca Caine soprano, Iris Robinson
- Tony Flynn actor, Stephen Nolan
- Sarah Richmond DUP Soloist
- Matthew Cavan DUP Soloist
- John Porter DUP Soloist
- Christopher Cull DUP Soloist
- James Cooper chorus
- Tara Greene chorus
- Helenna Howie chorus
- Gerard McCabe chorus
Repertoire
- Conor Mitchell: Abomination: a DUP opera (London premiere)
Need to know
For ages 12+
Fri 5 May, Queen Elizabeth Hall: Post-concert talk. Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell joins composer Conor Mitchell in conversation with Mark Ball, Southbank Centre's Artistic Director, following the performance. Admission free
Find out more about the music with our free programme.
View the programme
Please note that there is no interval during this performance
Dates & times
Fri 5 May at 8pm, Sat 6 May at 8pm & Sun 7 May at 6pm
Price
- Standard entryFrom £12.50*
- Concessions25%**
* Excludes £3.50 booking fee.
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** Limited availability. Read about concessions.
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Venue
Queen Elizabeth Hall
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