Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
I worked with Birmingham Opera Company during 2019 to produce a powerful advocacy document for their production of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk. The e-book brings together the UK and international press coverage the opera production received, along with stunning photography and quotes from audiences and the cast. The document celebrates the impact of the company’s ground-breaking work, attracting ever-changing audiences and engaging hundreds of volunteers from the local community.
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk was the company’s 50th production and Shostakovich’s epic opera was performed in a disused nightclub. The design of the book had to encapsulate the unique setting of the piece – audiences came face-to-face with axe wielding bloodied brides, oversized rats, weeping mourners and poisoned wedding guests as they stood in the heart of the cast of 150 actors and chorus. Accompanied by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and an on-stage band from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and with radical set design by the mighty Block 9, there was plenty to draw inspiration from when it came to designing the review book.
Referencing Block 9’s punk aesthetic for the opera and design by Birmingham collage artist Mark Murph, the pages are brimming with grungy textures, blood splatters and glitchy type accompanying photography shot during the performance and a host of amazing press, audience and cast reactions.
Responsive, creative and delivers to schedule – Lindsay is a pleasure to work with.
Richard Willacy – Executive Director, Birmingham Opera Company