The ‘Scorched Earth Trilogy’ by consists of three short satirical opera films that are projected onto a large wall in a public space for an audience listening on headphones. You can immerse yourself briefly in a lush world of orchestral opera with musical moments that grab your attention, touch you and sweep you away. The works use biting Irish wit to reflect our broken relationship with the earth and the environment, highlighting climate change, environmental damage and consumer behaviour. And they are also unsparing in their criticism of the political situation in our Western democracies: ‘Trickle down Economics’ shows a pissing contest on the fringes of the World Economic Forum at Davos. Drunken politicians draw economic models on the wall in front of them – while relieving themselves like little boys. ‘Won´t bring back the Snow’ tells the story of a father and daughter polar bear who are forced into the city to scavenge for food in bins. But the daughter hopes to escape this as a TikTok influencer. Lastly ‘Revival’ presents a wasteland of rotten garbage in which children wear gasmasks to play. But these same children are also at the heart of an ecological revolution, planting seeds that grow into wondrous, colourful plants.
“Anarchic and funny … satirical and bang up to date … short, sharp, sardonic commentaries on the climate crisis” – The Sunday Times
Tuilleadh eolaisDumbworld is a multidisciplinary, creative production company based in Belfast working across opera, oratorio, performance, animation, film and digital technology to create innovative, relevant and inspiring contemporary performance art. Founded by composer Brian Irvine and writer/director John McIlduff, the company has won or been shortlisted for many awards including the British Composers Award, Irish Times Theatre Award, Irish Allianz Arts Award, Ellen Stewart International Arts Award, Total Theatre Award for Innovation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation Composers Award.
Irish National Opera produces high-quality, accessible opera in venues throughout Ireland and overseas. The company is dedicated to showcasing internationally acclaimed, world-class Irish opera singers alongside guest artists from all over the world. It is also committed to maximising public engagement with opera, using community engagement and digital innovation to reach new audiences. The company has won or been shortlisted for many awards, including the Olivier Awards, Irish Times Theatre Awards, International Opera Awards, and the FEDORA Digital Prize.