YOUTH OPERA 2019 : A.L.I.C.E. - A LAUGHABLE ICONIC CATHARTHIC EXPERIMENT

Presentation

Through its TRANSLAB-project, Muziektheater Transparant is making a long-term commitment to a new generation of performing artists and young makers of opera and music theatre by offering opportunities for training and creation, as well as support from inspiring artists in the form of coaching.

As part of the work of TRANSLAB, Muziektheater Transparant organises an annual Youth Opera project in which a selected group of young singers and musicians from various countries take up the challenge of creating an unusual opera in a short but intensive period of rehearsal under the inspiring guidance of their artistic coaches. In each case the aim is for the participants to be involved to the greatest possible extent in every aspect of its creation and staging.

The annual Youth Opera is internationally the place to be for young vocalists and instrumentalists who, under professional guidance, want a taste of the creation of an opera production. During a short but intensive rehearsal period the participants are introduced in the world of innovative opera and music theatre production, while being prepared for a series of performances. They are closely involved in all aspects of the staging, receive intensive training in opera, music theatre and, most of all, they gain stage experience in a professional context.

Youth Opera 2019 is loosely based on the books "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking glass" by Lewis Carroll. The adventures of Alice are translated into a journey of a singer or a musician in the deep world of sound and music, in the backstage of a mad dream and a catharthic experiment. The trip will start in a big messy recording studio full of instruments, wires, stands, abat-jours, movable rubber walls, tiny and giant microphones… in a crazy venue constantly ruled by the power of transformation and freedom. Here amazing creatures, Queens, Caterpillars, White Rabbits, Gryphons, Cheshire Cats, … will be called for a common dreamy music live session.

Artistic Team

General supervisor & Dramaturgy: Wouter Van Looy
Stage director, Lighting & Set Design: Luigi De Angelis
Assistant director and Video designer: Andrea Argentieri
Musical director and composer: An Pierlé
Musical coaching and arrangements: Brice Soniano
Costumes: Lotte Stek