Are you an Opera Virgin?
Go on, try something new at Riverbank (or your money back!)
Irish Premiere of Grigory Frid’s The Diary of Anne Frank
Opera Theatre Company
Never been to an opera? Not sure if opera is your cup of tea? Well, Riverbank Arts Centre and Opera Theatre Company are offering you a chance to experience the magic of opera with a safety net!
The inspirational story of Anne Frank will be brought to life on the stage at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday 25th of September. If you’re curious to see what opera theatre is all about but have never made it to a show, now is the time to try it. If you’re not satisfied Opera Theatre Company will give you your money back!
Watch the story of Anne Frank unfold in a moving and dramatic theatre production of The Diary of Anne Frank. With a beautiful set evoking Anne Frank’s attic and the diary itself, atmospheric lighting and a stellar cast this will be an unforgettable night. Picture the pages of a diary on stage, silhouettes of a forbidden outside world and a young, courageous young girl at the heart of it all.
This event will be enjoyed by anyone who knows the story of Anne Frank, by those who enjoy a quality theatrical performance and by people with an interest in music, as it promises to be a truly entertaining and unique show.
Anne Frank’s diary gave the world a personal insight into a major event, painting a picture of an important era in European history from the viewpoint of someone really living through it. This show celebrates the life of the young girl and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam.
The Diary of Anne Frank, opened at The Abbey Theatre on the Peacock stage on Friday 10 September to a sold out crowd before touring to twelve venues around the country including Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday Sept 25th. The Irish premiere of Grigory Frid’s opera features talented Armenian-American Soprano Ani Maldjian in the title role, making her Irish debut.
This rare spirit in the face of adversity is humbling but, above all, inspiring. When Russian composer Grigory Frid read her Diary in 1960, he was overwhelmed. Frid felt personally drawn to Anne Frank’s diary. Celebrating his 95th birthday this September, having survived Stalinism and lived through the rise and fall of Communism, Frid found the diary to be a deeply philosophical and ethical work, raising issues that still resonate today. Sung in English, the opera uses Anne’s own words to illustrate different episodes from life in hiding, finding eloquent expression in the compelling score.
Now in its twenty-fourth year of touring opera throughout Ireland, Opera Theatre Company offers original artistic experiences of the highest quality to a wide cross-section of the population. Miskimmon believes that the company has ‘a simple remit - to bring opera to the whole island of Ireland, no matter what age or social group. Unfortunately, opera has been kidnapped by elitism over time, but we are evangelical about our mission because for us, opera is not exclusive: it is enjoyable, exciting, emotional.’
With Andrew Synnott conducting, co-direction by Ingrid Craigie and Annilese Miskimmon, and design by Nicky Shaw, this compelling production should not be missed.
A wonderful story of the inspiriting young girl Anne Frank told in a highly entertaining. So go on, take a chance on something new and experience this wonderful story in all its glory of operatic theatre.
Terms & Conditions apply, to find out more about the Opera Virgin money back offer and its terms and conditions contact Riverbank box office on 045 448327 or visit www.opera.ie
Opera Theatre Company presents The Diary of Anne Frank, Saturday 25th September, 8pm, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Tickets €25/€20, Special Student Rate €15. Group discount also available, contact box office for details. To book call 045 448327 or www.riverbank.ie