Hampstead Garden Opera
Agrippina
Ashley Pearson, director
Everyone is hungry for power, but not all are worthy.
The coronation that goes wrong… When Agrippina hears of the death of her husband Claudio by shipwreck, she seizes the opportunity to place her son Nerone in power. After gaining the support of the toadying Narciso and Pallante, she is upset to find Claudio has been saved by the gallant Ottone, whom Claudio has rewarded with a promise of the crown. But Claudio, Nerone and Ottone are all obsessed with the cunning Poppea. As they pursue her, and Agrippina tries to steer Nerone back into the line of succession, we’re left to wonder whether any of these people should really be in charge.
★★★★ “Thrillingly sung and dramatically propulsive production is timely and satisfying”
“Pearson certainly knows about the power of simplicity”
★★★★ “Moving the action from ancient Rome to modern Silicon Valley is a clever idea of director Ashley Pearson and, with the help of set designer Sorcha Corcoran, she comes up with a concept that allows for a ‘Succession’ style drama where Nerone and Ottone are rivals for the job of CEO of the big tech company.”
★★★★ “Directed by the inspirational Ashley Pearson”
“A smart and sharp Agrippina from Hampstead Garden Opera”
“Director Ashley Pearson knows how to use body-language to create character.”
“This was proper pro opera, and a high-quality lark”
“The accent in a small theatre lies on Personenregie, and this was keenly, powerfully accomplished throughout.”