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Written in the mid-19th century, The Pearl Fishers’ setting in an exoticised pre-colonial Sri Lanka presents challenges for contemporary opera companies and audiences. In a related series of events alongside this opera, we will explore some of the issues involved in presenting this work today.
With introductions by specialist academics from the University of Leeds, the Howard Assembly Room’s season of post-colonial cinema complements – and critiques – our staging of The Pearl Fishers. Films by female and global majority directors offer a contemporary counterbalance to the opera, and a space for critical thinking and discussion on the subjects it raises for us today.
The programme also features an intimate performance from Carnatic singer Yarlinie Thanabalasingam, presenting music rooted in the region in which Bizet set his opera and a series of conversations featuring our Academic in Residence Ed Venn.
