Circus Days and Nights
A circus opera in two acts for ensemble, chorus and soloists.
105′
An opera by Philip Glass
Based on the book by Robert Lax Circus Days and Nights
Music: Philip Glass
Libretto: David Henry Hwang and Tilde Björfors
Direction and concept : Tilde Björfors
CAST:
2S, 3 Bar, SATB chorus; B-flat Clarinet C Trumpet Bass Trombone Percussion Accordion Violin Violoncello
COMMISSION:
Commissioned by Cirkus Cirkör. Circus Days and Nights is a co-production between Cirkus Cirkör and Malmö Opera.
PREMIERE:
May 28, 2021 in Malmö, Sweden,Malmö Opera and Cirkus Cirkör
NOTES:
An entirely new work meets an entirely new form: Circus Days and Nights is a circus opera in two acts. Its inspiration is Robert Lax’s masterwork Circus Days and Nights, a collection of poems that draws us into the poet’s fascination with acrobats and the circus lifestyle and takes us on the road with him when he “runs away” and joins a circus in 1940s America. For Lax, the circus becomes a metaphor for life itself – the cycle of life and death – and for human yearning and striving. Circus Days and Nights is a boundary-crossing performance that brings the circus ring into the opera house.
PUBLISHER:
Dunvagen Music Publishers