The Scorched Earth Trilogy by Irvine, B., From (2023/2023), Directed by John McIlduff,, Conductor Fergus Sheil, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Kilkenny, Ireland

The Scorched Earth Trilogy is a large scale projected Opera with audio experienced through your headphones transmitted by Isolde, a groundbreaking new mobile app. Prepare to be enthralled by the electrifying synergy of composer Brian Irvine, writer/director John McIlduff and digital video artist Conan McIvor from the daring realm of Dumbworld. In these unique works they join forces with INO conductor/artistic director Fergus Sheil, to craft an opera experience like no other. The Trilogy explores our fractured relationship with the Earth, the environment, climate change, pollution, consumerism, political motivation and governance as well as notions of living, care, hope and togetherness. They are a mesmerising tapestry of street art, music, performance, and animation. The award winning team plunge us into a world of high-octane orchestral opera that fuses wide screen epic with visceral, tender and exhilarating moments of singing and animation. They are at once poignant, engaging, potent, moving and very funny. It’s opera… but not as you know it… its opera that challenges your understanding of street art, orchestral music and singing all the while questioning the manner in which we connect with each other and with the world around us. Isolde is developed by Nuwa for Irish National Opera in consultation with Dumbworld and funded as part of the Next Stage Initiative from Fedora and Opera Europa. Isolde is currently in the beta testing phase of development. Join the conversation with #ScorchedEarthTrilogy