New opera tells the fascinating and queer story of Michael Field
Shadow Opera in partnership with DEBUT is premiering a new opera by Tom Floyd and Sophie Goldrick based on the true story of a talented but mysterious Victorian Poet — Michael Field. Veritable Michael began life as a podcast during the lockdowns and tickets are now available for the live premiere in the atmospheric Brunel Museum, 7.30pm 14th August (book now via Eventbrite).
Composer Tom Floyd gives us an insight into this exciting new show.
Tom Floyd, composer, conductor and producer
“My love and I took hands and swore, against the world to be poets and lovers ever more”
Veritable Michael Production Trailer
“Fascinating interviews, story and beautiful music. Have subscribed and can’t wait to hear the rest… an amazing accomplishment and so cool that the creation of an opera has been opened up this way.”
— Apple Podcast Review ☆☆☆☆☆
Who was Michael Field?
The elevator pitch goes something like this: In May 1884, London awoke to the news of an exciting new playwright and poet bursting onto the scene to rave reviews. Michael Field not only won the praise of the papers, but also piqued the interest of literary giants Robert Browning and Oscar Wilde. But Michael was hiding a secret: he wasn’t a man, he wasn’t a woman — Michael Field was in fact two women, Katherine Bradley and Edith Cooper, deeply in love and writing as one.
What is a podcast opera?
It’s a good question and we’re still not sure ourselves! This piece started life before the pandemic but lockdown made us change course. We used that time to research Michael’s story, interview leading Michael Field scholars and to write and record a set of opera scenes using text from Michael’s journals, poems, plays and letters. You can listen to the podcast here.
What to expect from ‘Veritable Michael — the live show’?
Winning the Stephen Oliver Award for new opera was an exciting moment for us, as this along with support from the Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust and our crowdfunders meant we could bring Michael’s story to life through a physical production.
The London premiere at the Brunel Museum will immerse audiences in Michael’s colourful and complex world, with moving performances from singers Sophie Goldrick (Katherine Bradley) and Lizzie Holmes (Edith Cooper), and actor Patrick Neyman (Michael Field). The show lasts approximately 70 minutes with the opera vignettes evoking the chapters of struggle, triumph, humour and heartache which marked Michael’s life.
Why is Vertibale Michael not to be missed?
As well as being a fascinating in its own right, Michael Field’s story is one which reaches forward through time and has many resonances for modern audiences. It explores personal and joint identity, gender expression, struggle with patriarchy, queerness and the boundrary between art and artist. Michael lived and worked with an operatic level of imagination and expression, and as several of our guest speakers have said, this is the perfect medium for telling his story. We think our audience will find a lot in our telling of Michael’s story, and will also have some chuckles along the way.
How to book tickets?
Tickets are on sale and can be booked here. The closest station is Rotherhithe which is a 2 minute walk away. Seating is unreserved.
Audience members are recommended to arrive early to enjoy a drink at the stunning Midnight Apothecary — a unique bar and garden on the roof of the venue, and one of South London’s best kept secrets — to get their evening off to a memorable start.
For more information or questions about the show email info@shadowopera.com