The Metropolitan Opera present Marnie in a broadcast streamed from the New York Met to the Merlin, on Sunday 11th November at 5.55pm. A young woman lies, cheats, and steals her way through life, propelled by compulsions she can neither control nor understand.
A wealthy man catches her red-handed and blackmails her into marrying him. Will the truth about her past send her to jail or set her free?
Based on the novel that also inspired Hitchcock’s celebrated thriller, composer Nico Muhly’s Marnie was co-commissioned and co-produced with the English National Opera and receives its US premiere at the Met this season. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard stars in the title role, opposite baritone Christopher Maltman as her husband. Costume design is by Madonna’s collaborator of 20 years, Arianne Phillips, who created every item seen on stage in this stylish, vivid production.
The Royal Ballet production of La Bayadere, Marius Petipa’s fantasy, set in legendary India, is screened from ROH Covent Garden on Tuesday 13th November at 7.15pm. This three-act ballet tells the tale of a temple dancer and the prince who loves her, but marries another. The famous, moonlit ‘white act’ – The Kingdom of the Shades – is a corps de ballet highlight, as multiple images of the prince’s lost love haunt his mind.The choreography allows two opposing ballerinas to shine, while a bronze idol comes vividly to life in a stunning solo. Throughout, the melody and moods of Minkus’s music perfectly match the fluidity and precision of the classical choreography and the drama of the storytelling. Choreography is by Natalia Makarova, after Marius Petipa, with music by Ludwig Minkus and orchestration by John Lanchbery.
Finally on Saturday 17th November at 7.00pm, there is a filmed theatre screening of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s current production of Troilus and Cressida. Troilus and Cressida swear they will always be true to one another. But in the seventh year of the siege of Troy their innocence is tested, and exposed to the savage corrupting influence of war, with tragic consequences. Virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie collaborates with RSC artistic director, Gregory Doran, to create a satirical futuristic vision of a world resounding with the rhythm of battle, broadcast live to cinemas from Shakespeare’s home town.
Tickets for all screenings are £16, concessions £10.50. Book at www. merlintheatre.co.uk or telephone 01373 465949.
