Sky in a Small Cage
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| Sky in a Small Cage | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Rolf Hind | |
| Librettist | Dante Micheaux |
| Language | English |
| Based on | The life and work of Rumi |
| Premiere | |
Sky in a Small Cage is an English-language opera with music by British composer Rolf Hind and libretto by American poet Dante Micheaux. The opera was commissioned by the English opera company Mahogany Opera. The libretto also heavily features translations of the poetry of Rumi, who is a central character.
The opera features the relationship between the 13th-century poet Rumi, and the Sufi dervish Shams Tabrizi without literally embodying the characters. The main narrative action ends with the death of Shams Tabrizi and Rumi's coming-to-terms with it in his work and life. This is thought to have taken place historically in 1248. The opera heavily features poetry from the librettist Dante Micheaux, as well as Rumi's work in English translation. There is some use of spoken word rather than singing. Though parts of the opera are more conventional, it contains elements of many creative forms, and in the Financial Times' review of the premiere, Andrew Mellor states that the opera "resembles a classical oratorio in combining elements of character narrative with theology, prayer and a contextualising chorus."[1]
The opera premiered during the 2024 Copenhagen Opera Festival, at The Royal Danish Academy of Music. A single performance was given on 25 August 2024.[2] The same production then transferred to the Barbican Centre in London for the UK premiere on 8 September 2024. The first performance featured the Athelas Ensemble Copenhagen and the London performance the Riot Ensemble and six ensemble singers.[3]
