Image used by kind permission of Sonya Newell-Smith, Tadema Gallery
Daedalus is a multilingual opera for all based on the Greek myths of Daedalus and Icarus but speaking to the present plight of refugees in Greece and Italy, and to how they adapt to new languages and their feelings of alienation in a foreign culture.
While Icarus attempts to assimilate himself into his new surroundings, Daedalus tries to rely on his renowned abilities as a craftsman, inventor and scientist to gain status, following through his creative agenda regardless of the consequences.
Scored for an ensemble of thirteen instruments it features four voices who play the main protagonists, but who also combine with dancers to act as a chorus.
With its UK premiere planned for Aldeburgh in 2020 and written by Philip Grange and Fiona Sampson, it combines English, Turkish, Italian, Arabic, Maltese, Modern Greek, Ancient Greek and the modern Cretan dialect.
The opera is funded by the OWRI Cross-language dynamics: Reshaping community project.
