Death in Venice Britten
–Overview
Would you pursue love for inspiration?
In the search for beauty and meaning, the renowned author Gustav von Aschenbach travels to Venice on a whim. In the sultry atmosphere of a cholera epidemic, with the scirocco blowing, he falls in love with Tadzio, a youthful aristocrat who is staying in the same hotel with his family. As Aschenbach projects his loneliness and desire on him, fantasy and imagination intermingle with existence. His obsession progresses to a fever pitch as he becomes increasingly divorced from reality.
Inspired by the original Thomas Mann novella, Britten’s magnificently atmospheric opera comes to life in this new production from WNO, creating images of ravishing beauty, as well as exploring the grotesque hidden beneath the search for the sublime. As poetic worlds of the imagination collide with reality, the early 20th century acts as a mirror to our times.
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WNO's new productions and new commissions are supported by the John Ellerman Foundation. Leading production support from the Colwinston Charitable Trust and WNO Britten Group. Supported by Dunard Fund and WNO Donors.
Dedicated to the memory of John Crisp
Good to know
Approximately two hours and 40 minutes including one interval
Sung in English, with English and Welsh surtitles
Under 16s
£5 when accompanied by a full price adult tickets (subject to availability)
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