Opera Philadelphia will premiere a chamber opera by composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek. Breaking the Waves is based on the 1996 Academy Award-nominated film by Lars von Trier. Set in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1970s, Breaking the Waves tells the story of Bess McNeill, a religious young woman with a deep love for her husband Jan, a handsome oil rig worker. When Jan becomes paralyzed in an off-shore accident, Bess’s marital vows are put to the test as he encourages her to seek other lovers and return to his bedside to tell him of her sexual activities. He insists that the stories will feel like they are making love together and keep him alive. Bess’s increasing selflessness leads to a finale of divine grace, but at great cost.
Breaking the Waves is commissioned by Opera Philadelphia and Beth Morrison Projects.Thu, Sep 22, 7:30 p.m.Sat, Sep 24, 2:30 p.m.Tue, Sep 27, 7:30 p.m.Thu, Sep 29, 7:30 p.m.Sat, Oct 1, 8:00 p.m.