The revolution has been successful. The Party meets to celebrate. But events take an unexpected turn as four of their own activists return from an aborted mission.
They tell their story. Did they do the right thing? They ask us to decide. This is Birmingham Opera Company’s production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Decision (Die Massnahme) performed at Great Hampton Works, a Grade II listed former buckle factory in the Jewellery Quarter a few weeks ago.
If you missed the recent gathering at Birmingham Opera Company (BOC) Party HQ, you can join the post-Revolution celebrations via digital channel OperaVision.eu from 1900 (CET) 1800 UK TIME, 14 April 2023 until 1200 10 October 2023 - in the meantime see our gallery of images from the show below and read on to discover more about this exciting project.
Brecht’s text and lyrics, sung in English, and Eisler’s visceral orchestration delve deep into our psyche and our soul. And BOC’s partnership with OperaVision.eu brings this 60 minute film with English subtitles into your home, free of charge, and is a chance to catch up on the riotous and morally perplexing exploits.
This ongoing partnership between BOC and OperaVision.eu has seen past productions of Fidelio, The Ice Break and Rhinegold streamed free of charge to audiences internationally, extending the reach of the company’s work beyond the derelict warehouses and factories of Birmingham where they are typically staged.
The Decision is directed by Anthony Almeida, multi-award winning theatre and opera director and European Opera Directing Prize Winner 2021 and designed by Claudia Fragoso set designer and architect.
The orchestra is conducted by the company’s Music Director, Birmingham born, Alpesh Chauhan OBEand includes talent from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the CBSO Youth Orchestra, of which Alpesh was a member during his schooldays.
The cast features actors Aimee Berwick, Paksie Vernon and Therese Collins and mezzo soprano, Wendy Dawn Thompson who has previously performed with BOC in Ulysses comes Home, La Traviata, Ariadne sells out, and Life is a Dream
They are supported by Birmingham Opera Company Chorus and Acting Company made up of some 90 volunteer singers and actors. Content advisory: Includes some scenes of a violent nature and use of strobe lighting. Recommended for ages 16+. Let’s take a look at some of the action:
1. The Decision, Birmingham Opera Company
2. Paksie Vernon, The Decision, Birmingham Opera Company
3. The audience joins The Party, The Decision, Birmingham Opera Company
4. Wendy Dawn Thompson as The Merchant bleeds another worker dry, The Decision, Birmingham Opera Company
Wendy Dawn Thompson as The Merchant bleeds another worker dry, The Decision, Birmingham Opera Company