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David Lang’s prisoner of the state

BBC Symphony Orchestra

,Barbican Hall
A jailer and his assistant helping a prisoner in chains out of cell

Follow one woman’s personal struggle against political oppression in this dark, seething and engrossing new minimalist opera from the co-founder of pioneering new music collective Bang on a Can.

215 years after the first performance of Beethoven’s Fidelio, David Lang’s fresh view of the opera’s story – and reflection on its enduring power – receives its European premiere. Beethoven loved the idea of freedom, but Lang's prisoner of the state re-examines Fidelio and discovers that in the 21st century, the issues that it raises about gender and personal identity are more than a match for the ideals of the enlightenment.

Lang’s ability to glimpse the emotional heart and soul of a story within his focused, distilled and highly absorbing music has won him a Pulitzer Prize. In this opera designed for performance with an orchestra on stage, both instrumentalists and audience bear witness to the story of a woman striving to rescue her partner from unjust imprisonment. 

Tagged with: Classical music Barbican Presents 2019-20 BBC SO 2019–20 More...

This performance will end at approximately 9.30pm, without an interval.

Programme

  • David Lang   prisoner of the state (European premiere; Barbican co-commission*)

*Produced by the Barbican and BBC SO

Performers

  • BBC Symphony Orchestra  
  • Ilan Volkov   conductor
  • Elkhanah Pulitzer   director
  • Julie Mathevet*   The Assistant
  • Jarrett Ott   The Prisoner
  • Alan Oke   The Governor
  • Davóne Tines   The Jailor
  • BBC Singers  

*Please note that Claron McFadden has had to withdraw from this performance for personal reasons.

Download the programme

Reviews

  • ‘A dark, seething and engrossing work‘
    New York Times
  • ‘The whole [opera] is remarkably economical, its brief length and stripped-down dramaturgy letting it deliver its polemical charge with stunning impact. ‘
    Opera News
  • ‘Lang's score and the staging by Elkhanah Pulitzer . . . [are] triumphs, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats‘
    Broadway World

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Barbican Hall

Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
​​​​​​​The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.