Ooh! Really interesting! The Ninth Wave is perhaps my favourite of KB's pieces, which I've always just loved without a clear understanding of what it's about - but that's sometimes the charm of a work of art, right? I've half wondered whether the witch's story is like a past life thing (other lives flashing before her eyes as she floats nearer to death?). But anyway, really fascinating - I didn't know that about the origin of the term "waking the witch".
And congrats on the libretto! That must be so exciting. Good luck! I mean... er... break a leg! :D
I love the idea of the accused witch as a past life, it's as if this part of as if these ancient injustices are giving her the strength to survive this time. And thank you, Gareth, I will!
This has always been one of my favourite Kate Bush albums and this song in particular is a standout. Lovely observation about the sleep deprivation - I'd never thought of that before!
Best of luck with the opera too, that sounds proper amazing!
Break a leg with the witchy opera! Would love to see a recording. St Louis has been great about sharing videos of their short commissions and I'm hoping more folks do. It is a great way to introduce new writers/audiences to the field.
Ooh! Really interesting! The Ninth Wave is perhaps my favourite of KB's pieces, which I've always just loved without a clear understanding of what it's about - but that's sometimes the charm of a work of art, right? I've half wondered whether the witch's story is like a past life thing (other lives flashing before her eyes as she floats nearer to death?). But anyway, really fascinating - I didn't know that about the origin of the term "waking the witch".
And congrats on the libretto! That must be so exciting. Good luck! I mean... er... break a leg! :D
I love the idea of the accused witch as a past life, it's as if this part of as if these ancient injustices are giving her the strength to survive this time. And thank you, Gareth, I will!
Wow, congratulations! That’s fabulous news about your opera, Rebekah.
Thanks so much, Sheila!!
I don’t know how I discovered this series on Kate and I can hardly believe it exists and I love it!
Thanks so much, Jeff! It’s a very specific Venn diagram of interests so I’m glad it’s found its audience
This has always been one of my favourite Kate Bush albums and this song in particular is a standout. Lovely observation about the sleep deprivation - I'd never thought of that before!
Best of luck with the opera too, that sounds proper amazing!
Thanks so much, Mark, it’s been fascinating to research!
Break a leg with the witchy opera! Would love to see a recording. St Louis has been great about sharing videos of their short commissions and I'm hoping more folks do. It is a great way to introduce new writers/audiences to the field.
https://www.stlmag.com/culture/performing-arts/new-works-collective-2025-world-premiere-operas/
Oooh looks great - I agree, I’d love to be able to share it.
I will sadly not be in London the 13th, but you're great to listen to and this was really interesting.
Thanks so much, Charles! We’re hoping to record it so I’ll share a link here if possible
You're welcome! I hope to get to listen to it!
Toi! Toi! Toi! as they say in opera land
Thank you, Chris!! As a native of theatre land I'm used to hearing 'break a leg'