“This excellent production … is a gem, multifaceted, intimate and polished.” The Age, 12 July 2012
This great work was created in horrible circumstances – in 1943/44 in the ghetto camp of Theresienstadt. Its creators, Viktor Ullmann and Peter Kien, were sent to their deaths in Auschwitz in October 1944. Our production embedded the opera in a tale of the world’s madness and cruelty. The stunning visual imagery, consisting of photographic projections, was provided by Berlin artist Christian Herrnbeck. Our show featured two chamber compositions by award-winning Israeli composer Gilad Hochman.
Our cast included Nathan Lay in the title role, Jerzy Kozlowski as Death, Kristian Gregory as The Loudspeaker, Kate Macfarlane as The Drummer, Brenton Spiteri as Harlequin, Hana Crisp and Nicholas Jones as Soldiers. Peter Tregear conducted, Gert Reifarth stage-directed, Katie Sfetkidis provided the lighting design, Ellen McCarthy the costumes and Anna Burley the make-up.
The Emperor of Atlantis, Prologue, sung by Kristian Gregory. Recorded live on 13 July 2012
The Emperor of Atlantis, Emperor’s Aria, sung by Nathan Lay. Recorded live on 14 July 2012
The Emperor of Atlantis, Madness Trio, sung by Nathan Lay, Kate Macfarlane, Brenton Spiteri. Recorded live on 14 July 2012
The Emperor of Atlantis, Final Chorale, sung by the whole cast. Recorded live on 13 July 2012