Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry collection The World’s Wife retells historical and mythological stories from a female perspective. Inspired by the poems, Tom W. Green composed a chamber opera for voice, string quartet and loop station. Diverse women take the stage, ranging from the sexually awakened Little Red Cap to the motherly Queen Herod. For the first time, the Ragazze Quartet and opera director Jorinde Keesmaat present a staged version. Guided by the warm baritone singing of transgender opera singer Lucia Lucas, five female performers explore their literary predecessors. Together, they undertake a journey that leads to a (re)discovery of a collective and individual female voice.

The World’s Wife is O.’s opening performance. On this first night you can also sample the performances that will be staged later during the festival, throughout the theatre (and outside). A sneak peek at O.!

“This is a key feminist work, written by the much-loved UK poet Carol Ann Duffy and performed by one of the most powerful baritone voices in the world. Lucia Lucas recently made her debut at the famous New York Met.” – Joost Heijthuijsen (dramaturg O.)