PLATFORM 10, or The Power of Literature

a mini-opera

(1999) 

16'

Libretto by Christina Jones

Commissioned by Tête-à-Tête Productions, with funds from the Arts Council of England

Clapham Junction Station - the present. Nigel and Gerald, two train spotters in anoraks, notice Lisa, an intense young woman, reading Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina'. She is so involved with Anna's last moments that she unconsciously acts them out. Nigel is caught up by her, and Gerald saves her from getting too close to the edge of the platform. She realizes Nigel is preferable to her book.

Premiere: August 26, 1999. Battersea Arts Centre, London as part of an evening 'Shorts' by Tétè-a-Tétè

Director: Bill Bankes-Jones

Designer: Tim Meacock

Music Director: Orlando Jopling

CAST

Hilary Dolamore, Damian Thantrey, Phillip Bell

Lisa - soprano

Nigel - baritone

Gerald - tenor

Clarinet, harp, 'cello