Angel's Bones opera opens at London Coliseum

The modern opera ‘Angel’s Bones’, composed by Du Yun with libretto by Royce Vavrek, has opened at the London Coliseum following its UK premiere in Manchester. The work serves as a dark allegory for human trafficking, centered on two angels who fall to Earth and are subsequently exploited by a financially struggling couple, Mr. and Mrs. X. E.

The production, directed by Kip Williams, utilizes a revolving set and an innovative multimedia approach. Three roving camera operators capture live feeds of the performers, which are projected onto large screens to highlight intimate or grotesque details. While the musical score and powerhouse performances from cast members like Allison Cook and Matthew McKinney have been noted, the heavy reliance on technology and the revolving stage has drawn mixed reactions regarding its impact on the dramatic experience.