Opera & Writing

with Luc Joosten

12 - 15 March 2020

Dutch National Opera & Ballet

Much has been said (and sung) on the fruitful yet often tense relation between ‘la musica’ and ‘le parole’ in opera. But the libretto is not the only vessel of words in operatic practice. Opera productions are accompanied by diverse kinds of writing: concepts, articles, reviews, papers, publicity texts, et cetera. How do these words relate to the actual works they aim to reflect?

This workshop deals with dramaturgical writing about and for opera. In what ways can an opera be represented on paper? To what extent do written and spoken reflections on opera tend to privilege the verbal and narrative components of the work over its musical and performative features? And how can we represent those non-verbal qualities in words?

The workshop will consist of plenary discussions and lectures. The participants will make several writing assignments during the workshop, from writing a short introduction to a repertoire opera to devising a concept for a new creation, including possibly a brief example of a libretto. Every participant will present her / his final concept in a public meeting.

The workshop and the final presentation are part of Dutch National Opera’s Opera Forward Festival. Participants will attend several opera performances and presentations. The workshop will be lead by Luc Joosten (Head of Dramaturgy, Dutch National Opera), in collaboration with dramaturgs, composers, writers and scholars among whom Klaus Bertisch, Willem Bruls, Frank Siera, Wout van Tongeren.

Practical informations

Subscription's deadline: 10 January 2020

Arrival date: 12 March (before 11:00 am) 2020

Departure date: 15 March (after 16:00 pm) 2020

Location: Dutch National Opera & Ballet

Number of participants: This workshop is open to 4 recommended by member institutions of enoa and 4 participants of the hosting organisation.

Application process

- the artist must be connected to one of the 13 enoa member institutions
- the artist must contact his/her sending institution, which decides if they recommend his/her application
- the hosting institution confirms the list of participants after the registration deadline
- the network assumes the responsibility for the training fees, the costs of accommodation and travel

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to their personal situation.

Artistic requirements

Shortlisting via application:

• CV (in English or Dutch) and photo
• Covering letter in English or Dutch
• Composers, Stage directors & Playwright: Any items already produced that could help assess your work (score, booklet, video, etc.) via YouTube, Dropbox, Wetransfer. Please check the links remain valid.

The participants must be able to read in original libretti language.

The participants may be given a writing assignment to work on ahead of the workshop. Information about this will be given before the 15^th of February 2020.

Program to prepare: Information will be sent out the accepted participants closer to the date.

FAQ

Professions

Stage director

Playwright

Composer

See all professions (2)

Dramaturg

Librettist

Languages

English