Written on Skin / Teaser

Inspired by a macabre medieval tale from southern France, composer George Benjamin and playwright Martin Crimp has created a harrowing opera about a powerful man – and what happens when that power is challenged.

A young artist is commissioned to immortalise a family’s life and deeds in an illuminated book. The husband rules his household and those around him with cold authority. The young artist's presence disrupts the balance, not least when the wife embarks on a passionate affair with him. She sets them all on a path to destruction when she demands that he depict their love in one of the book’s illustrations. The husband – ironically named The Protector – takes cruel revenge.

George Benjamin composed Written on Skin for the Aix-en-Provence Festival in 2012. Since then, the opera has been performed worldwide and hailed as a modern masterpiece. With music of explosive intensity and sensuality, Benjamin, together with Martin Crimp’s strikingly poetic text, creates a mesmerising and distinctive universe.

Acclaimed British director Katie Mitchell stages this celebrated production. One of Norway's most celebrated sopranos, Mari Eriksmoen, has the role of Agnès.

George Benjamin / Music
Martin Crimp / Text
Katie Mitchell / Stage Director
Lawrence Renes / Conductor

SINGERS
Mari Eriksmoen / Agnès
Mark Stone / The Protector
Alexander Chance / The Boy / Angel 1
Christina Jønsi / Marie / Angel 2
Magnus Staveland / John / Angel 3

Performed in English with English and Norwegian surtitles
Recommended for ages 15+

Written on Skin is performed after the Opera Gala and a 30 minute break

Commissioned by the Festival d´Aix-en-Provence, De Nederlandse Opera (Amsterdam), Théâtre du Capitole (Toulouse), Royal Opera House Covent Garden (London), Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

Performed by arrangement with Faber Music, London

Presented by Bergen National Opera in collaboration with Bergen Philharmonic Orchestr

Video: Max Thillaye