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