Dominick Argento (1927–2019)

Postcard from Morocco

23, 24, 26, 27 March 2022 – Dutch Première

Libretto John Donahue
First performed 14 October 1971
A surrealist opera about a group of strangers in a railway station.

Synopsis

Trapped in transit…

… a vivid tale of enigmatic travellers waiting for a train that will seemingly never arrive.

Each clutching a different bag, case or box – which they steadfastly refuse to open – seven strangers gradually reveal glimpses of their secrets, dreams, fantasies and fears.

Surreal, entertaining, unsettling and emotionally charged, Postcard from Morocco was a sensational success for the American composer Dominick Argento and librettist John Donahue. Barely fifty years old, it has swiftly become one of the world’s most frequently performed chamber operas.

“Dominick Argento’s Postcard from Morocco casts a spell of unusual power for those willing to enjoy its decidedly different concepts…. a remarkable work.”
– The Washington Post

“Postcard From Morocco is rich with ideas … A strange and often beautiful evening of theater!”
—The New York Times

Press

Production photos © Reinout Bos

Information

Dates:
23 March 2022 @ 20:00
24 March 2022 @ 20:00
26 March 2022 @ 20:00
27 March 2022 @ 13:00

Venue:
Conservatoriumzaal, Amare, The Hague
With an instrumental ensemble from the Royal Conservatoire The Hague

Creative team

Gary Matthewman
Conductor

Robert Chevara
Director

Robert Chevara with Lisa de Faria
Choreography

Jessica Curtis
Set Design

Jorine van Beek
Costume Design

Jasper Nijholt
Light Design

Bas van Yperen
Assistant conductor

Cast

Hugo Kampschreur/André Lopes
Mr. Owen

Gita Rebeka Dirveika/Taylor Burgess
Lady with a Cake Box

Lucie van Ree/Maria Warenberg
Foreign singer

Maria Koroleva/Sharon Tadmor
Lady with a Hand Mirror

Gabe Clarke/Theodor Uggla
Man with Old Luggage/Puppet #1

Einar Gudmundsson/Jitze van der Land
Shoe salesman/ Puppet #2

Michael Karski/Filips Krauklis
Man with a Cornet Case/Puppet Maker

Book tickets

Tickets €25/ €10 (student rate)

The closing date for applications to join the programme next year is
Friday 19. January 2025.