That man was Dr Dee – astrologer, courtier, alchemist, and spy.
Following the phenomenal success of Monkey: Journey to the West, Damon Albarn returned to the Manchester International Festival to breathe new life into one of England’s greatest minds.
Director Rufus Norris, Damon Albarn and an outstanding cast of musicians and performers unveiled the mystical world of Dr Dee: An English Opera right here in Manchester, at this, the world premiere of Albarn’s new work.
Rufus Norris is a theatre and opera director whose West End and Broadway shows include Cabaret, Don Giovanni, Festen, Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Vernon God Little.
Damon Albarn is a musician whose bands and projects include Blur, Gorillaz, The Good the Bad and the Queen, Africa Express and Monkey: Journey to the West for MIF07.
For more information have a look here http://doctorjohndee.tumblr.com/
Damon Albarn performed a song from Dr Dee on the Andrew Marr show on Sun 19 June – watch it here
Creative Team
Rufus Norris Co-Creator, Director
Damon Albarn Co-Creator, Composer, Performer
André de Ridder Conductor, Orchestration Consultant
Stephen Higgins Musical Supervisor
Paul Atkinson Designer
Katrina Lindsay Costume Designer
Jonathan Lipman Associate Costume Designer
Lysander Ashton for 59 Production Video & Projection Designers
Scott Graham & Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, Movement Directors
Paule Constable Lighting Designer
Paul Arditti Sound Designer
William F Lyons Historical Music Consultant
Sarah Playfair Casting Consultant
James Bonas Assistant Director
Alistair Turner Assistant Set Designer
Musicians
Tony Allen Drums
Madou Diabate Kora
Mike Smith Keyboards
William Lyons/Sarah Humphrys Reeds & recorders
David Hatcher Reeds & recorders
Ann Allen Reeds & recorders
Liam Byrne/Caroline Ritchie Viola da Gamba
Arngeir Hauksson Lute
Members of the BBC Philharmonic
Damon Albarn
Christopher Akrill
Bertie Carvel
Victoria Couper
Anna Dennis
Hendrick January
Eddie Kay
Steven Page
Melanie Pappenheim
Christopher Robson
Nuno Silva
Rebecca Sutherland
Clemmie Sveaas
Who is John Dee?
Credits
Commissioned by Manchester International Festival, London 2012 Festival and ENO.
Produced by Manchester International Festival and ENO.
With thanks to the BBC Philharmonic for their support and collaboration.