Breaking the Waves

In this contemporary opera based on the film by Lars von Trier, you will hear a score that moves between intimate vulnerability and intense, driving power. The narrative focuses on Bess McNeill and her husband Jan Nyman, following a journey of sacrifice and devotion within a tight-knit, restrictive community. Unlike the grand artifice of traditional opera, this work is characterised by its raw, cinematic quality and a directness in its musical language. As the evening unfolds over two hours, listen for how the vocal lines reflect the emotional isolation of the protagonist and the tension between her personal faith and the social pressures surrounding her. The orchestration creates a heavy, atmospheric landscape that underlines the physical and psychological toll of the characters' choices. It is a work that avoids easy resolution, instead offering a stark look at the complexities of human commitment through a modern musical lens.

The English National Opera performs this production at their home in the London Coliseum, a company known for staging works in English and championing modern repertoire. Joana Carneiro conducts the ensemble, bringing her experience in complex contemporary scores to the podium. The cast features Lauren Snouffer as Bess McNeill and Liam James Karai as Jan Nyman, supported by Joanne Evans, Emma Bell, and Elgan Llŷr Thomas. These performers are recognised for their ability to handle demanding vocal roles that require both technical precision and significant dramatic presence.

This performance takes place at the London Coliseum and has a running time of approximately two hours. As is standard for the English National Opera, the production will be sung in English. With a shorter duration than many traditional operas and a modern, film-based plot, it is well-suited if you are seeking a concise evening or are new to the art form. There is no specific dress code for the venue, so you may wear what feels comfortable for an evening in the West End.