Systrarna by Puccini, Backman, From (2022/2022), Directed by Staffan Valdemar Holm, Conductor Patrik Ringborg, Malmö Opera, Malmo, Sweden

Under the common name Systerna we present an evening with two operas directed by Staffan Valdemar Holm and scenography by Bente Lykke Møller. Two poetic and strong stories about people who are severely affected by life's circumstances: Puccini's Suor Angelica and Catharina Backman's newly written On the Other Side of the Sea, based on Birgitta Trotzig's short story. "A Meeting between Beauty and Darkness" Sofia Nyblom, DN DIRECTING, SET DESIGN & LIGHTING Staffan Valdemar Holm and Bente Lykke Møller are responsible for directing and scenography. With their sparse and honest expression, they have made a number of acclaimed and acclaimed productions, including at the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the Royal Swedish Opera, and with us most recently Aida and La Gioconda. As so many times before, these collaborate with the prominent lighting designer Torben Lendorph. Giacomo Puccini's Suor Angelica is a touching, beautiful opera that deals with loss, loss and forgiveness. It is one of the few operas with only female roles. The opera takes place in a monastery in Siena in the 17th century, where the noble Angelica is locked up after giving birth to an extramarital child The work was composed in 1917 and when it was finished, Puccini had it played in a monastery where his sister Iginia was a nun. Both the music and the plot made a deep impression on the nuns, which Puccini saw as confirmation that he had succeeded in creating the right monastic atmosphere. The opera premiered at the Metropolitan in New York in 1918. On the other side of the sea is a brand new opera with music by Catharina Backman and libretto by Maria Sundqvist. The story is based on a short story by Birgitta Trotzig and it is the first time ever that Trotzig is dramatized. The Scanian writer Birgitta Trotzig, who sat on chair number 6 of the Swedish Academy from 1993 until her death in 2011, wrote in poetic and intense language. Her storytelling reconnects with genres such as legends, biblical stories and hymns. So too on the other side of the sea, which is a cruel fairy tale with elements of reality. But who was she?