Dorothy

A new opera comes to Balham this December at Theatre N16.

This December sees the premiere of a brand new opera 'Dorothy' by composer James Cook. Debuting on Tuesday 1st December, with additional performances on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd, the opera is the first to be performed in the Theatre N16's new location at The Bedford, Balham SW12 9HD.

The work is truly a labour of love and devotion, having been thirty years in the making. It’s a tale of love, sacrifice and martyrdom in fourth century Cappadocia. The three-act opera tells the story of Dorothy, who is imprisoned for her faith and abandoned by her lover (Theophilus) who berates her for the sake of a belief he cannot understand. Before she is executed, Theophilus challenges her to bring fruit and flowers from heaven’s garden to prove what she professes is true. But will she return to him, and will he finally believe...?

Composer James Cook says: “I'm thrilled that Dorothy is finally making its stage debut. After discovering the poetry of Christina Rossetti I was eager to marry her wonderful words with an inspiring story, which turned out to be the saints' tale of the heavenly lovers Dorothy and Theophilus. The work was begun in 1984 and has been elaborated, extended and embellished on and off ever since until it was recently finally finished. I'm delighted that Theatre N16 and Secret Opera have taken on the challenge it to bring it to life in December 2015.”

The role of Dorothy is to be played by Soprano Emma Newman-Young (1st & 3rd December) and Heath Heighway (2nd December), who will sing alongside tenor Jack Tebbut as Theophilus. The chorus will be played by vocal group Pieces of Eight.