In the Belly of the Beast

In the Belly of the Beast brings together the unique intimacy of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre’s Baroque cantata for voice and continuo with a completely contemporary theatrical approach. Three stories of biblical men – Adam, Jonah, and Jephthah – told from the perspective of women in their orbits.

These cantatas are a thrilling examination of the human condition, with individuals brought together in their attempts to confront the unfairness of the world humanity finds itself in, uncovering the true cruelty and arbitrariness of the powers that be.

Carolyn Sampson stars in three works from de la Guerre’s Cantates Bibliques translated by Toria Banks and produced in partnership by Mahogany Opera, Dunedin Consort and HERA.

★★★★★ “A revelation…a pulsing, vibrant slice of music drama…raw storytelling and powerful drama made all the more immediate here by the use of Toria Banks’s English translation.” - The Times

Performers:
Carolyn Sampson soprano
Mariana Rodrigues soprano
Dunedin Consort

In the Belly of the Beast is generously supported by Nottingham Trent University.