Memo Arts Centre, Barry
Wed 27 – Sat 30 July
One opera, three histories. Kommilitonen! is an historical journey consisting of 28 scenes, based on the poignant conflicts in which students have been involved in the past. Three narratives titled The Oxford Revolution, a story about the American Civil Rights figure James Meredith’s struggle to attend the University of Mississippi, Die Weisse Rose, which deals with students exposing Nazi atrocities, and {Soar to Heaven}, which tackles the Chinese Cultural Revolution, have been combined to create a powerful drama, performed by passionate students, for students.
Kommilitonen! is the Welsh National Opera’s Youth Production for 2016, by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, and libretto by David Pountney. The opera premiered in 2011 and has undergone many different adaptations by many different companies, but the WNO Youth Opera boasts some of the best emerging talent in regards musicians, performers, and technicians. The acclaimed company will be performing at Barry’s cultural hub, with the Memo Arts Centre being the largest multipurpose arts venue in the Vale of Glamorgan.
This innovative opera highlights issues very much relevant in modern society, with Polly Graham’s direction giving the performance a contemporary feel. The exact translation from German of Kommilitonen! is Fellow Students, highlighting the unity felt between students across the world. This opera is powerful and hard hitting, inspiring students by using the actions of those who were there before them.
Tickets: £12. Info: 014 4640 0111 / www.memoartscentre.co.uk
words FFION RIORDAN-JONES