Melancholia
Lars von Trier’s hit film, reimagined as a grand opera
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PLAYS:October 3 - 19
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RUNNING TIME:approx. 3 hrs incl. interval
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STAGE:Main stage
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LANGUAGE:English, Swedish surtitles
Lars von Trier’s film Melancholia is the perfect source material for a grand operatic experience. A decadent wedding that ends with the destruction of the Earth, accompanied by the Royal Swedish Orchestra, synthesizers and magnificent voices.
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“The most awesome opera in a long time,” wrote the newspaper Expressen on its world première at the Royal Swedish Opera in 2023. Follow the musical apocalypse with Justine’s depression, the approaching planet and Anne Sofie von Otter as the acerbic mother.
Composer Mikael Karlsson and librettist Royce Vavrek have ushered the art form of opera into a new era. With a contemporary soundscape and lyrics that cut straight through the music, they have created an opera that truly delivers a punch to the chest.
Performance images
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Melancholia, an opera after Lars von Trier's film, Royal Swedish Opera 2023 -
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The making of Melancholia - workshop orchestra
Meet composer Mikael Karlsson in the making of Melancholia, an opera based on the Lars von Trier movie. The first workshop with the Royal Swedish Orchestra has taken place in Stockholm, the final score being prepared for the world premiere at the Royal Swedish Opera in October 2023.
The making of Melancholia - workshop orchestra
The making of Melancholia - the music
Meet Lauren Snouffer and Rihab Chaieb as they prepare for their roles as Justine and Claire in the world premiere of Melancholia at The Royal Swedish Opera. Music by Mikael Karlsson and libretto by Royce Vavrek.
The making of Melancholia - the music
The making of Melancholia - libetto
Meet Royce Vavrek, the librettist for Melancholia, talking about the most multidisciplinary piece he has ever worked on. World premiered at the Royal Swedish Opera October 21 2023.
The making of Melancholia - libetto
The making of Melancholia - soloists
Meet Lauren Snouffer and Rihab Chaieb as they prepare for their roles as Justine and Claire in the world premiere of Melancholia at The Royal Swedish Opera. Music by Mikael Karlsson and libretto by Royce Vavrek.
The making of Melancholia - soloists
Melancholia - Premiere Talk
Dramaturge Katarina Aronsson meets librettist Royce Vavrek and composer Mikael Karlsson before the world premiere of the opera Melancholia October 21, 2023, at the Royal Swedish Opera, Stockholm.
Melancholia - Premiere Talk-
Cast
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Music & creative team
MUSIC Mikael Karlsson
ORCHESTRAL ARRANGEMENTS Michael P. Atkinson & Mikael Karlsson
LIBRETTO Royce Vavrek, efter Lars von Trier
CONDUCTOR Andrea Molino
DIRECTOR Sláva Daubnerová
SET DESIGN Boris Kudlicka
COSTUME DESIGN Chrisi Karvonides-Dushenko
LIGHT DESIGN Tom Visser
SOUND DESIGN Avgoustos Psillas
VIDEO Bartek Macias
DRAMATURGE Katarina Aronsson
CHOREOGRAPHY Charlotta Öfverholm
CHORUS MASTER Jori Klomp
Cast subject to change.
Your visit to the Opera
Frequently asked questions
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At what time do I have to be at the Opera before the performance?
We recommend that you arrive at least half an hour before the performance begins. If you can arrive earlier, it's even better: 45 minutes before the start of the performance, there is a free audience introduction in the Golden Foyer - an excellent way to approach the performance! Please note that once the performance has started, no one will be allowed into the hall until after the first intermission.
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It's my first time at the Opera - what do I do?
We have put together some useful tips for your visit. Otherwise, our best advice is to arrive on time - discover the Opera House, leave your coat in the cloakroom, eat or drink something. AND, ask our ushers - they'll be happy to help! Outerwear and bags should be left in the cloakroom for safety and evacuation reasons.
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Can my ticket be rebooked or cancelled if I or someone in my party is ill?
You can rebook tickets yourself on the website up to 24 hours before the start of the performance within the the current season. Tickets cannot be cancelled (read more in our general terms and conditions).
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Can you eat and drink at the Opera?
Of course you can! Our partner Restaurang Grodan is on the ground floor facing Strömgatan - take the opportunity to book a table ahead of your visit! Each floor also has a service with drinks and snacks, at the stalls' café there is a slightly larger selection. We advice you to pre-book the intermission service so it is ready and waiting for you during the interval!
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