Book of Mountains and Seas

Thu 14 - Sat 16 Aug

UK PREMIERE

Ancient Chinese myths inspire Huang Ruo's opera, confronting humanity's complex relationship with nature.

A giant tries to capture the sun. A drowned princess seeks revenge on the ocean. Ten suns compete to light the Earth.

Huang Ruo, one of the most exciting figures of contemporary opera, reimagines ancient Chinese myths, first transcribed in the fourth century BC, through the lens of today's environmental challenges. This 21st-century adaptation explores our complex relationship with the natural world, blending music, puppetry and mythology to reflect on humanity's role as caretakers of the Earth.

Directed by Basil Twist, the Olivier Award-winning designer of My Neighbour Totoro, the performance features the Danish choir Ars Nova Copenhagen, joined by an exceptional ensemble of percussionists and puppeteers. With timeless myths of creation, water and elemental forces, Book of Mountains and Seas reminds us of the pressing need for a collective respect for nature.