“Bringing this opera to the symbolic heart of gay Britain seems like a homecoming.”
In 2008, Northern Irish politician Iris Robinson gave a scandalous radio interview in which she condemned homosexuality as an ‘abomination’ and reignited the equality debate in Northern Ireland.This challenging time in our history is told in a moving and humorous way in Abomination: A DUP Opera, an award-winning, 21st-century opera featuring elements of drag, cabaret and political satire. A treat for regular operagoers and first-timers alike, Abomination is produced and performed by award-winning music-theatre company The Belfast Ensemble, the opera is conducted and directed by acclaimed composer Conor Mitchell and it features a cast that includes the internationally renowned soprano Rebecca Caine in the role of Iris.
We caught up Behind the Scenes with Conor Mitchell to find out more.
How would you describe Abomination: A DUP Opera in three words?
Operatic. Political. Current.
Tell us more about what you’d like people to take away from Abomination: A DUP Opera?
That it opens a window into Northern Ireland and the attitudes that have existed towards gay people. Also, that it brings opera to people who may never have experienced the artform.
What's the significance of bringing the opera to Brighton Festival?
Bringing this opera to the symbolic heart of gay Britain seems like a home coming. In Brighton this opera will come alive in new, important ways; ways that matter for the citizens in that wonderful place.
Abomination: A DUP Opera, 9 & 10 May, Theatre Royal Brighton
Originally produced by The Belfast Ensemble and Outburst Arts for Outburst Queer Arts Festival 2019, with support from The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and British Council. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Culture Ireland.
Listen to Connor in conversation with Kathy Caton on BBC Sussex