Foto: Markus Gårder

Satyagraha

Follow the genesis of Gandhi's philosophy in a mesmerising opera like no other – reimagined with the dynamic power of circus. Premiere: 2016.

  • 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. 

    Many consider it to be Philip Glass’ most affecting and personal work: a mesmerizing operatic account of Mahatma Gandhi’s experiments with civil disobedience in South Africa presented as a serene minimalist ritual. In this inspired production, Circus Cirkör and Swedish opera company Folkoperan match one form of sublimity with another, lending their signature acrobatic grace and wit to every undulating musical murmur.

    The Cirkus Cirkör production of Satyagraha premiered on 14th September 2016 at Folkoperan in Stockholm.

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

  • Ensemble

    Artist: Magnus Björu
    Artist: Aino Ihanainen
    Artist: Oscar Karlsson
    Artist: Sarah Lett / Nathalie Bertholio
    Artist: Alexander Weibel Weibel
    Ghandi: Leif Aruhn-Solén
    Sonja Schlesin: Lisa Carlioth
    Sarojini Naidu: Hanna Fritzson
    Kasturba / Mrs Alexander: Karolina Blixt
    Kallenbach / Arjuna: Lars Johansson Brissman
    Parsi Rustomji / Krishna: Lars Arvidsson
    Choir: Michael Axelsson, Arash Azarbad, John Kinell, Sofia Niklasson, Tove Nilsson, Elin Skorup, Carl Walin, Margaretha Westerlin
    Orchestra: Folkoperans orkester

  • Creators

    Music: Philip Glass
    Lyrics (Adapted from "Bhagavad Gita"): Constance De Jong
    Libretto: Philip Glass, Constance De Jong
    Orchestral Arrangements: Anders Högstedt

    Creative Team

    Director and Set Design: Tilde Björfors
    Musical Director and Conductor: Matthew Wood
    Set Design and Costume: Dan Potra
    Video Set Design: Visual Relief
    Assistant Set Design: Aino Ihanainen
    Assistant Set Design and Costume: Fridjon Rafnsson
    Lighting Design: Patrik Bogårdh
    Make-up & Wigs: Therésia Frisk
    Choreographer: Cecilia Roos
    Dramaturge: Magnus Lindman
    Indologist and Sanskrit Coach: Mats Lindberg

    Satyagraha is an opera in three acts by Philip Glass.
    Music: Philip Glass
    Lyrics: Constance de Jong (adapted from “Bhagavad Gita”)
    Libretto: Philip Glass and Constance de Jong

    ©1980 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc.