J.M. Coetzee opera to have world premiere in Poznan
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
03.07.2012 11:52
Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee will attend the world premiere of an opera based on his novel Slow Man this Thursday at the Malta Festival in Poznan, western Poland.
Slow Man: photo - Malta Festival
Besides taking part in the festival, which began on Tuesday, the South African/Australian author will also receive an honorary doctorate from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan.
The opera version of Slow Man came about after Belgian composer Nicholas Lens proposed the idea to Coetzee.
The two have cooperated throughout the process, and they have already begun preparing a second opera together.
Directing duties on Slow Man have been taken up by Maja Kleczewska, an experimental force in Polish theatre, who has been making an increasing number of forays into the world of opera in recent years.
The plot of Slow Man revolves around a French photographer, who is struggling to cope with the consequences of a road accident.
The Malta Festival has now been running since 1991, and although originally set up as a theatrical event, it has expanded its horizons to include music and film.
US rockers Faith No More are among the star guests at this year's edition. Meanwhile, a special focus on Asia links many of the events in the 2012 programme.
The Malta Festival runs until 7 July. (nh)