In this Made In Scotland Showcase, an early medieval tale was retold as a short opera through modern, magical storytelling using electronics, sound, projection art and music. Composer Joanna Nicholson – who spoke heroine Aud’s speeches and played the clarinet – put us straight about deceased Viking King Olaf The White –  “He was an arsehole!” – and so the scene was set to dramatise how his strong widow Aud would deal with the aftermath of his murder. The representations of woodland using projection art (the performers wore white), French Horn and electronic sounds were particularly effective. Distinguished Soprano, Clíona Cassidy, sang in ancient, well-researched tongues – including references from medieval Benedictine plainchant authority Notker The Stammerer – in a score alive with symbolism and timeless musicality. 

theSpaceTriplex, until 17 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Louise Rodgers]