Alexander Raskatov – Ian Burton
Animal Farm
A satirical beast fable that is happening now
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
– Financial Times
a life beyond this production, not least because its themes, sadly, show no signs of ageing.”
watch teaser
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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.
gallery
creative team
- Music
- Alexander Raskatov
- Libretto after a novel by George Orwell
- Alexander Raskatov, Ian Burton
- Conductor
- Bassem Akiki
- Dramaturgy
- Luc Joosten
- Director
- Damiano Michieletto
- Sets
- Paolo Fantin
- Costumes
- Klaus Bruns
- Lighting design
- Alessandro Carletti
- Choreography
- Thomas Wilhelm
cast
- Blacky
- Elena Vassilieva
listen to raskatov’s compositions
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tickets and performances
Gift packages are available to this performance. A gift package includes ticket(s) to the best seats in the stalls as well as interval refreshments from a buffet: coffee/tea and Opera cake(s). Choose your seats from the stalls in price category B or C and select ticket type ‘GIFT PACKAGE’. The offer is valid until 23 December. The offer does not apply to premieres. Package availability is limited.
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Programme booklets
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Accessible seats
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