Kurt Weill
The Tsar Has His Photograph TakenA Scottish Opera Young Company production
Scottish Opera Young Company gives aspiring young singers and stage managers a unique and practical introduction to the world of opera. Despite the challenging circumstances we have all been facing recently, the group has continued to run, with a series of virtual online meet-ups and physically distanced, in-person rehearsals starting in November 2020.
The Company is hard at work rehearsing The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken. Heavily suppressed by the Nazis in the 1940s and only recently re-discovered, Kurt Weill's absurd operatic comedy asks just how dangerous a camera can be.
Planned for performances in Summer 2021 (subject to Scottish Government guidance on lifting restrictions), the show will see the Young Company back on stage for the first time in over two years.
About the show
Scottish Opera Young Company present this brand new production of Weill’s absurd, satirical comedy asking questions about identity, power – and just how dangerous a camera can be.
One unassuming afternoon, photographer Angele receives a phone call telling her the Tsar is on his way to have his photograph taken. But who invited him? Why is the ruler of a whole country coming to see her?
Although they don’t know it yet, the Tsar and Angele are both about to get caught up in a very tangled assassination attempt, as bungling conspirators swap the cassette in the camera for a bullet and try to take down the Tsar by any (ridiculous) means necessary.
The Tsar Has His Photograph Taken will be presented by the Scottish Opera Young Company, alongside professional singers and players, directed by Scottish Opera Staff Director Roxana Haines (La bohème 2020), designed by Anna Orton (La bohème 2020), and conducted by Scottish Opera Young Company Artistic Director Chris Gray.
Supported by: Hugh Fraser Foundation, John S Cohen Foundation, Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust, The Carntyne Trust, The Russell Trust, Hope Scott Trust, MEB Charitable Trust, The Jennie S Gordon Memorial Foundation and Scottish Opera’s Education Angels.
'Impeccably staged and delivered... the Young Company shows hope for the future of opera in Scotland.'
Glasgow Theatre Blog on Orfeo & Euridice, 2018
About Scottish Opera Young Company
For 17- to 23-year-olds with a passion for performance
Scottish Opera Young Company gives aspiring young singers and stage managers a unique and practical introduction to the world of opera. Rehearsing throughout the year, Young Company members work with a range of opera professionals – including directors, choreographers, conductors and vocal coaches – to hone their skills, culminating in their own fully-staged production. And for those not yet quite ready for the Young Company, SOYC Gateway is the perfect first step – for 14- to 17-year-old aspiring singers.
Find out how to join or contact the Education team by emailing soyc@scottishopera.org.uk
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