The Man Who Loved Islands (Opus 52)

A Narrative-Opera, meaning that the actors are like both characters in a play and narrators. It’s based on text from the short story of the same title by David Herbert Lawrence, rearranged by Riccardo Riccardi.

The Man Who Loved Islands was conceived as a theatrical performance where various actors and actresses on stage tell the story of a man who looks for a small island on which to start a new, unspoiled life. A prominent role among the other characters is assigned to a soprano. She adds an emotion-filled commentary to the narration.

Additional stage directions are welcome, inventing on-stage actions for the soprano and other actors. This may include lighting, video projections, or stage sets that underline the narrated events realistically or emotionally.

The sung text should always be in Italian. The spoken text may be translated into the language of the audience.

Also possible is a performance that is not acted but staged with scenery, as well as a performance without scenery or staging. In both cases, the spoken text might even be recited by a single narrator – preferably a man – who would interact with the soprano.