Journey back in time to the 13-century Seljuk Empire and discover the story of Rumi, a legendary figure in Sufism – a mystical Islamic belief – through composer Rolf Hind’s new opera, Sky In A Small Cage.
‘It’s a hybrid of a Passion (in the Christian sense), an opera and a series of tableaux developed from the life and poetry of the Sufi mystic Rumi,’ explains Hind, who has combined excerpts from Rumi’s poetry in translation with words by contemporary poet Dante Micheaux to create a powerful piece. ‘In a similar way, my music usually falls somewhere between Western contemporary music sound and techniques, and traditions and instruments from various points of the compass which I use regularly: qawwali, Turkish scales and gamelan, for example. Here, this creates an imagined musical world for the Seljuk Empire of the 13th century - where Rumi lived - a place and sound beyond time and identity where this passionate, beautiful poetry speaks to and for all of us.’
Narrator Elaine Mitchener leads a cast that includes countertenor James Hall and bass-baritone-dancer Yannis François, who will portray the intense spiritual relationship between Rumi and his guide and soulmate, Shams. The opera will be performed for the first time in the UK here in September.
Hind has been fascinated by Rumi since encountering his writing on a silent retreat. ‘Five days into the silence, the teacher read one of his poems, which detonated in my consciousness like a bomb. I became an avid reader and fan, visited his birthplace in Konya and read widely about him.
‘The piece started as a way of expressing the poetry in music and then, in discussions with [opera and contemporary music theatre producer and director] Freddie Wake-Walker, as a dramatic vehicle to express that wonder and the vital message of love, passion, unity and tolerance in our wayward world.’
Although he lived in the 13th century, Rumi’s work has resonated through the ages. ‘The poetry of Rumi was the starting point, and the original plan was a piece that only set his poetry, but then we brought on board Dante Micheaux, whose wonderful text also illuminates some of the psychological stories of Rumi’s life, suffering, and joy,’ says Hind. ‘The music, movement and scenography explore the potency of Sufi thought and mysticism - its arcana, mystery and rapt sense of wonder, and its dance, so the audience is free to resonate with the sounds, the visuals and the poetry on their own personal path.’
8 Sep, 7.30pm, Hall
