FEAST - an anthem for anyone pretending to be someone they're not
Here at DEBUT, we are always excited to hear about new and exciting musical ventures.
Particularly those that push boundaries and combine genres to create something fresh and invigorating.
Say hello to FEAST - the brand new operatic theatre show to inspire you this September.
An opera with cabaret seasoning, interweaving pre-existing art song and jazz from Berlioz to Billy Strayhorn, Kurt Weill to Errollyn Wallen, as well as exciting new music from classical and cabaret composer Ben Comeau”
The newly formed production company MIMO have their first bold outing in September with FEAST, at London’s Wilton’s Music Hall.
FEAST is a one-woman opera starring the “powerhouse” mezzo-soprano Stephanie Wake-Edwards. Stephanie has previously performed with the incredibly prestigious Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Garsington Opera (to name a few!).
FEAST is brought together by the minds of Simone Ibbett-Brown, André Callegaro, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Ben Comeau and Stephanie Wake-Edwards - who collectively are MIMO.
FEAST tells the story of Jessica who is throwing a dinner party to impress her boss, with a promotion on the horizon. She just has to hold her nerve for one more night, but her facade is wearing ever thinner. Is she really who she says she is? For that matter, is anyone around the dinner table? Is a job like this ever truly free from dishonesty?
This is a tale that reminds us that forgetting ourselves can be a dangerous thing. Can we ever truly thrive if we are someone else? What are the repercussions of contorting yourself to fit into a world not for you?
The pressures and dangers that move people to hide, to chop off bits of themselves, are very real; how can you face up to them, and experience the joy of regrowing the true sound of you? What could it mean to hold yourself true rather than fitting in to what others expect?
MIMO’s hope is to share compelling contemporary stories of personal and cultural relevance, and encourage arts-lovers and artists to think outside their standard music repertoire: creating new theatre-opera forms that share a much richer musical landscape than your typical opera.
Fun fact: you may recognise some of the music featured in this brand-new show. The masterminds of MIMO have weaved compositions by Lili Boulanger, Hector Berlioz with the likes of Joni Mitchell into the musical landscape!
The premiere takes place on 15th & 16th September - grab your tickets here!
MIMO hope to take FEAST on tour in 24/25!
DEBUT’s monthly classical music experience south of the river at Brunel Museum’s historic Grade II* listed Thames Tunnel Shaft. Join us for our much loved Christmas Celebration (early booking recommended, these concerts sell out fast!)
MUSICIANS
Lizzie Holmes soprano, host & founder
Sam Peña resident pianist & improviser
Kang Yang GuZheng
Eleanor Garside soprano
Meriel Cunningham mezzo soprano
William Diggle tenor
Kieran Rayner baritone