Alexander, Catherine (2010) The Gypsy Bible. [Performance]

Abstract

By Joe Townsend and Alasdair Middleton. Directed by Catherine Alexander

Making a violin isn’t easy: it takes 400 years of love, murder and the devil’s whim. Weaving together tales from across Europe, this new folk opera is told through wild gypsy rhythms and a kaleidoscopic array of virtuosic playing. Whether made from the bones of a young woman’s body or the strange alchemy of the violin-maker’s craft, the old magic and wanton science surrounding the fiddle are brought to life in story and song. With music by Joe Townsend and words by Alasdair Middleton (The Adventures of Pinocchio, The Enchanted Pig).