Welsh National Opera takes inspiration from Hollywood in short film to mark World Aids Day

• WNO releases new short film La mamma morta, inspired by iconic Tom Hanks movie Philadelphia
• Nathaniel Hall (star of Channel 4’s It’s A Sin) stars in the film which aims to raise awareness of contemporary experiences of HIV
• The release marks the third and final stage of WNO’s Three Letters programme, produced in collaboration with Fast Track Cymru

Welsh National Opera have released a short film to mark World Aids Day as part of their Three Letters project, inspired by an iconic scene from the Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington movie Philadelphia (1993).

An aria from Andrea Chenier - La mamma morta - featured in a memorable sequence in the movie which follows Tom Hanks’ character Andrew Beckett struggling with societal stigma and health problems brought about by his diagnosis of HIV.

In this short film from WNO, a brand-new recording of the aria plays over recreated scenes that better encapsulate the perspectives of people living with HIV today and reflect on the remarkable developments around HIV that have occurred over the last three decades since Philadelphia was first released.

The aria is sung by soprano Camilla Roberts, with accompaniment from WNO Orchestra and a new spoken-word text written by Andrew Loretto, performed by Nathaniel J Hall (star of Channel 4’s hit drama It’s a Sin).

Nathaniel J Hall said: “Philadelphia exists in a canon of work about HIV and AIDS - along with Angels in America and Rent – and whilst these are all incredible pieces of work, they focus on HIV as life-limiting because of the time-period they cover. It's important now to use storytelling and music to celebrate how far we've come and raise awareness of the modern-day realities of living with HIV. Sadly, people still face stigma, discrimination and rejection from others because of this virus and there's absolutely no reason why they should.’

La mamma morta marks the third stage of WNO’s Three Letters programme, designed and delivered in collaboration with Fast Track Cymru to raise awareness of contemporary experiences of HIV. Building on the work of the AIDS Quilt Songbook project which began in the USA in 1992, the programme has led to the creation of a trio of songs which explore the stories of individuals living with HIV today.

The Three Letters project began in September 2021 with creative workshops at Cardiff West Community High School. Nathaniel and activist Mercy Shibemba worked with students to create the first song We learn, we know, we understand, a statement of allyship and support from the young people of Cardiff. The second song All These Dreams, saw Mercy collaborate with Welsh singer songwriter Eädyth Crawford and WNO Vocal Intern Aliyah Wiggins to tell the story of her own experiences with HIV.

This external songwriting programme has been complemented by internal action at WNO such as a new HIV company policy, the appointment of organisational ‘HIV Champions’, and staff training which led to WNO attaining a Positive Allies charter mark in December 2022.

Fast Track Cymru recently held an event at Senedd Cymru where attendees were treated to a preview of the short film. The event was sponsored by Buffy Williams MS who is a strong supporter of HIV activism. Buffy said:

‘We have come a long way since the 1980s and the scenes in Philadelphia. In the heart of Wales, combating HIV stigma is not just a health imperative; it's a call to compassion, understanding, and unity. By eradicating the stigma surrounding HIV with the support of innovative projects like this from Welsh National Opera, we pave the way for a society where individuals can seek testing, treatment, and support from charities like Terrence Higgins Trust and Fast Track Cymru without fear of judgment.’

La mamma morta is available to view on Welsh National Opera’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. For further information please visit wno.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Welsh National Opera is the national opera company for Wales, funded by the Arts Councils of Wales and England to provide large scale opera, concerts and outreach work across Wales and to major cities in the English regions.  We endeavour to provide transformative experiences through our education and outreach programme and our award-winning digital projects.  We work with our partners to discover and nurture young operatic talent, and we aim to show future generations that opera is a rewarding, relevant and universal art form with the power to affect and inspire.

For more information, photos or interviews please contact:

Rhys Edwards, Communications Manager rhys.edwards@wno.org.uk