The Royal Swedish Opera/Young at the Opera
Klaus Nomi
Klaus Nomi is a newly composed piece, a fantasy about the synthpop artist, cult figure and avant-gardist Klaus Nomi, his life, his artistry, and his tragic fate, becoming ill and consequently dying of AIDS. We join Klaus for the last few hours of his life as he is hospitalised. There, in Death’s waiting room, Klaus makes his final performance, one last show – for us, in our imagination.
The performance mixes spoken word, singing and newly composed music together with Klaus’ own pop songs, as well as works by Purcell and Saint-Saëns. Klaus Nomi had a strong visual theatrical expression, which we have taken on board. We have created spectacular scenography – a stainless steel floor and ceiling, where the lighting design becomes both magical and, at times, an outright pop show. The costumes were, of course, a focus for Klaus, so we have created outfits like art installations of fashion, poetry and kitsch. The whole is a life-affirming, eclectic and powerfully moving performance that has become even more relevant due to the ongoing pandemic. We need Klaus Nomi now more than ever.
International ambitions
The production is a monolog with one singer, a string quartet, piano and synthesizer. The set can easily be adapted for different kind of venues. Klaus Nomi has been created with an audience of young adults in mind.
The Royal Swedish Opera
The Royal Swedish Opera is Sweden’s national theatre for music drama. Since its beginnings in 1773, directors, set designers and singers have been stewards of the European operatic tradition, while also pushing the boundaries of the art form. The department Young at the Opera produces acclaimed and praised productions for the youngest children up to young adults.
On stage/Baritone Richard Hamrin
Director and set design Sunil Munshi
Music Klaus Nomi, Henry Purcell, Camille Saint-Saëns and more
New music Jonas Redig
Set design and lights Linus Fellbom
Costume Bente Rolandsdotter
Make up Matilda Bragner
Text Lucas Svensson
Photo: Knotan/Tobias Arnerlöv and Kungliga Operan/ Markus Gårder
Target group Young adults
Duration 70 min
Contact Artistic Director Young at the Opera Anna Karinsdotter anna.karinsdotter@operan.se
www.operan.se