Satyagraha
Follow the genesis of Gandhi's philosophy in a mesmerising opera like no other – reimagined with the dynamic power of circus. Premiere: 2016.
Om Satyagraha
How can weightlessness help us feel grounded? How can disorientation help orient us?
In a circus opera that explores the opposites, experience the power that comes with restraint, the control that blossoms from danger and the clarity that emerges from disorder.
Satyagraha is a one-of-a-kind minimalist opera by renowned composer Philip Glass. In three acts, the performance follows the development of Mohandas Gandhi's philosophy, "Satyagraha" – meaning "insistence on truth". Together with Cirkus Cirkör, the story is retold with stunning sensitivity and inspiring strength.
The Cirkus Cirkör production of Satyagraha premiered on 14th September 2016 at Folkoperan in Stockholm.
Poetic and physical interpretation of Gandhi's non-violent resistance
Reviews
Thrilling take on Glass’s celebration of passive resistance will have you spinning cartwhee
Limelight Magazine
Powerful circus woven around Gandhi
SVD
An altogether serious and gorgeous production
DN
Ensemble & Crew
Gruppbild Satyagraha
Satyagraha is a co-production between Cirkus Cirkör and Folkoperan.
Music: Philip Glass
Libretto: Constance De Jong efter Bhagavad-Gita
Orchestral arrangements: Anders Högstedt
Director: Tilde Björfors
Scenography & costume: Dan Potra
Video scenography/projections: Per Rydnert / Johannes Ferm Winkler / Visual Relief
Knitted scenography: Aino Ihanainen
Lighting design: Patrik Bogårdh
Mask: Therésia Frisk
Dramaturge: Magnus Lindman
Cirkusartists: Aino Ihanainen, Alexander Weibel Weibel, Magnus Björu, Sarah Lett/Nathalie Bertholio, Oscar Karlsson.
Gandhi: Leif Aruhn-Solén/Thomas Volle
Miss Schlesen: Lisa Carlioth/Sibylle Glostedt
Mrs Naidoo: Hanna Fritzon/Paulina Pfeiffer
Kasturbai/Mrs Alexander: Els Mondelaers/Karolina Blixt
Mr Kallenbach/ Arjuna: Anton Eriksson/Lars Johansson Brissman
Parsi Rustomji/Krishna: Johan Schinkler/Lars Arvidson.
Chaoir: Calle Lindén, Carl Walin, Elin Skorup, John Kinell, Margaretha Westerlind, Maria Sanner, Michael Axelsson, Sofia Niklasson
Satyagraha
An opera in three acts by Philip Glass
Music by Philip Glass
Lyrics: Constance de Jong (adapted from ”Bhagavad Gita)
Libretto by Philip Glass and Constance de Jong
©1980 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc.