Opera Forward Festival: Les Enfants Terribles (Philip Glass)

Chamber opera about fantasy and reality

Philip Glass's chamber opera Les Enfants Terribles is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by French poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. The story follows brother Paul and sister Lise, who, after the loss of their parents, rely on each other. Together they live in a closed-off world, driven by a game of their own making. What begins as a fantasy grows into something neither can stop.

Minimal music with a hypnotic effect

Glass is known for his repetitive, minimal music. In Les Enfants Terribles, that music immediately evokes powerful images. Director Béatrice Lachaussée describes the music as "enchanting, fascinating, and hypnotic." The music describes a life that goes on forever, with ups and downs, without escape. Four singers and three pianos are all that's needed to bring this oppressive story to life.

Co-production of 3 opera companies

Les Enfants Terribles is a coproduction of Opera Zuid, the Dutch National Opera, and the Dutch National Touring Opera. The performance lasts 95 minutes and is sung in French, with Dutch and English surtitles. Interested in this performance? Use the link for tickets and more information.