This impactful opera is an experience unlike anything seen before at the Finnish National Opera. In an uprising on a farm, a group of animals overthrow their farmer’s tyrannical reign. Little by little, their new society begins to mirror human civilisation, and their original principles of equality are cast aside.
Alexander Raskatov’s (b. 1953) compelling music delves deep into the shadows of human nature. Animal Farm was first performed in Amsterdam in the spring of 2023, quickly earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. In November 2023, it was awarded world premiere of the year at the International Opera Awards gala.
George Orwell’s (1903–1950) Animal Farm, written in 1945, is a poignant allegory for the evolution of the Russian Revolution into Stalin’s brutal regime. Tragically, Orwell’s critique still resonates in today’s world.
Animal Farm is a co-production and co-commission of Dutch National Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Teatro Massimo Palermo and Finnish National Opera.
”Animal Farm is raucous and jarring, dark and unsettling, brazen and virtuosic. It deserves a life beyond this production, not least because its themes, sadly, show no signs of ageing.”
– Financial Times
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synopsis
Tired of their owner, Farmer Jones, the animals revolt and take over the farm. Initially, their society thrives, and they are filled with hope for a future with less labour, better education, and more abundant food. Problems emerge as the pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, fight for the hearts and minds of the other animals. Ultimately, the pigs’ revolutionary ideal of equality is reduced to just a slogan: ”All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.
From a novel to an opera
George Orwell’s Animal Farm, published in 1945, conceals its message in a simple fairy-tale narrative. The novel illustrates how a righteous struggle for freedom can turn into a tyranny as oppressive as the regime it overthrows.
The idea of the opera originated with director Damiano Michieletto (b. 1975). For Michieletto, the story fundamentally explores the dynamics of power and the use of propaganda to manipulate the masses. Michieletto sees Animal Farm as a metaphor for the mechanisms of power and oppression that have shaped societies worldwide for centuries.
He also sheds light on the cruelty of factory farming, setting the opera’s events in an abattoir. The libretto, adapted from Orwell’s novel, is the work of Ian Burton and Alexander Raskatov.
gallery
Animal Farm; lit in the background Holly Flack, at the front Aarne Pelkonen, Jeni Packalen, Michael Gniffke and Karl Laquit and the Chorus of the Finnish National Opera and the treble choir of the Sibelius-lukio upper secondary school. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; photo Ruth Waltz/Dutch National Opera
Animal Farm; photo Ruth Waltz/Dutch National Opera
Animal Farm; photo Ruth Waltz/Dutch National Opera
Animal Farm; photo Ruth Waltz/Dutch National Opera
Animal Farm; Roman Ialcic (left), on the right Iida Antola, Aarne Pelkonen and Jeni Packalen. In the middle the Chorus of the Finnish National Opera. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; Jyrki Korhonen. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; Karl Laquit and James Kryshak. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; Roman Ialcic as Napoleon. In the background the treble choir of the Sibelius-lukio upper secondary school. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; Johanna Rusanen. In the background Juha Pikkarainen, Tuomas Lehtinen, Mika Pohjonen and Juha-Pekka Mitjonen. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; lit in the background Holly Flack, at the front Aarne Pelkonen, Jeni Packalen, Michael Gniffke and Karl Laquit and the Chorus of the Finnish National Opera and the treble choir of the Sibelius-lukio upper secondary school. Photo: Ilkka Saastamoinen
Animal Farm; photo Ruth Waltz/Dutch National Opera
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watch live stream on the stage24 service
director: Damiano Michieletto; set:Paolo Fantin; Costumes: Klaus Bruns; cast: Old major: Gennady Bezzubenkov; Napoleon:Misha Kiria; Snowball: Michael Gniffke; Squealer: James Kryshak; Boxer: German Olvera; Benjamin: Karl Laquit;
Minimus: Artem Krutko; Clover: Helena Rasker; Muriel: Maya Gour; Blacky: Elena Vassilieva; Mollie: Holly Flack; Pigetta ( young actress ): Karl Laquit; Mr. Jones: Marcel Beekman; Mrs. Jones: Francis van Broekhuizen; Mr. Pilkington: Frederik Bergman; 2 men of Mr. Jones: Alexander de Jong, Joris van Baar;
2 men of Mr. Pilkington: Mark Kurmanbayev; Michiel Nonhebel;
2 men from veterinary car : Alexander de Jong Mark Kurmanbayev
Live stream of Animal Farm on 3 May from 6:50 p.m.
You can experience the impactful opera Animal Farm in the comfort of your home. Watch the live stream on Saturday 3 May at 6.50 p.m. on Stage24.
The performance is available only in Finland and you can watch it for free.
A season ticket guarantees you a seat for all our premieres in 2024–25 season. You will also enjoy a dedicated seat in the auditorium and eleven more substantial benefits.
Our Art&Dinner menu will beautifully complement your night at the opera or ballet. Starting at 5 p.m. the dinner is laid out as a buffet in the Lounge Parvi.
Art&Dinner menu is available for selected Friday evening performances.
