Opera Collective Ireland presents the World Prèmiere of ‘Vagabones’- A new opera by Raymond Deane
Based on the play Trespasses by Emma Donoguhe

Following the outstanding success of The Return of Ulysses at Kilkenny Arts Festival 2018, Opera Collective Ireland presents the World Première of Raymond Deane’s new opera Vagabones. Based on Emma Donoghue’s stage adaptation of her 1996 radio play Trespasses, the opera with a libretto by Renate Debrun is a fictionalization of the judge’s own account of the case of Florence Newton in Youghal – one of only a handful of witch trials that ever took place in Ireland. Set in the small Co. Cork town over three days in 1661, the opera works as a moving tale of conflicted human emotions and stratagems, while deftly touching on issues of gender, fundamentalism, imperialism and the clash of cultures.

With a stellar cast of Irish talent, directed by Ben Barnes and the musicians of Crash Ensemble, Vagabones will be a culmination of great writing, superb theatre and thrilling music.

Libretto by Renate Debrun
With Rory Dunne | Carolyn Holt | Kelli-Ann Masterson | Rory Musgrave | Sarah Power | Ross Scanlon

In Association with Crash Ensemble
Conductor: Sineád Hayes conductor
Director: Ben Barnes
Set & costume designer: Monica Frawley
Lighting designer: John Comiskey

“Deane’s music was forceful and dynamic … I suspect nothing on Ireland’s opera stage, north or south, this year will equal this remarkable achievement.”
The Sunday Business Post on Raymond Deane’s opera ‘The Alma Fetish’ (2013)

Presented by Opera Collective Ireland
Duration: 90 minutes. No interval