Opera Philadelphia's first-ever Digital Festival concludes with Breaking the Waves. The stream will premiere on Friday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. and will be available for viewing until Monday, August 31. Discover more about the Digital Festival.
This World Premiere chamber opera by composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek is based on the 1996 Academy Award-nominated film by Lars von Trier. Set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1970s, Breaking the Waves tells the story of Bess McNeill, a religious young woman with a deep love for her husband Jan, a handsome oil rig worker. When Jan becomes paralyzed in an off-shore accident, Bess’s marital vows are put to the test as he encourages her to seek other lovers and return to his bedside to tell him of her sexual activities. He insists that the stories will feel like they are making love together and keep him alive. Bess’s increasing selflessness leads to a finale of divine grace, but at great cost.
Winner of the 2017 award for Best New Opera from the Music Critics Association of North America
This broadcast contains strong language, sexual situations, and violence. Recommended for mature audiences.
Digital Festival O is free, but if you'd like to support the festival and work like it, make a gift at https://www.operaphila.org/support/make-opera/. New and increased gifts will be matched!
