Commissioned by London Youth Opera, and inspired by Auden and Isherwood, Nathan Williamson’s new opera, with a libretto by Megg Nicol, depicts a group of young people who, against a backdrop of social media, fake news and malign political influences, has to make a choice between power, fame and personal fortune or true friendships, integrity, and working for the greater good.
Stan and Gretchen, the chosen two, joins a group of brilliant young scientists who believes they are on the cusp of solving the world’s environmental problems and saving the planet. Will they stick to their quest and fulfil their promise to humanity, or will they have their heads turned by the fame and fortune offered to them by the alluring but corrupt politicians?
The opera will be premiered at the Shaw Theatre on 14 and 15 December 2024.