Opera North and Shadwell Opera join forces for Isabella Gellis’ The Devil’s Den, a striking operatic work rooted in English folklore.
Set in a nameless village, the opera follows a child, a rabbit, a devil and a druid, all mysteriously connected to an ancient burial chamber. At its heart is a live Morris dancing side, whose exuberant and ritualistic movements both surround the drama and propel it forward – the first time this has ever been attempted in an opera.
Inspired by Ben Edge’s painting of the same name, The Devil’s Den is the debut full-length stage work from Isabella Gellis, whose music has been championed by Sir Antonio Pappano, the London Symphony Orchestra and the Aspen Festival Orchestra. Her score is tactile and melodic, drawing on folk tradition without directly imitating it to create something both contemporary and timeless.
Directed by Shadwell founder Jack Furness and conducted by Artistic Director Finnegan Downie Dear, the cast includes Jennifer France, Lotte Betts-Dean, Nicholas Morris and Ossian Huskinson, alongside dancers from Sheffield City Morris.
The Howard Assembly Room’s intimacy makes this a rare chance to experience a full afternoon celebrating British folklore and the future of opera up close.
Join us for a Q&A with the composer and creative team of Shadwell Opera in the Howard Assembly Room between the two shows, starting at 4:10pm and lasting 30 mins.
Book your ticket here for a free Morris dancing workshop with Sheffield City Morris, starting at 4:50pm and lasting 40 minutes.
Generously supported by the Vaughan Williams Foundation.
