Benjamin Britten - The Turn of the Screw: Opera Australia DVD

UPC: 809478040149

Product Features

• Composer: Benjamin Britten
• Libretto: Myfanwy Piper
• Based on: The Turn of the Screw, novella by Henry James
• Cast:Conductor: David Stanhope
  • Governess: Eilene Hannan
  • Mrs. Grose: Margaret Haggart
  • Peter Quint: Anson Austin
  • Miss Jessel: Wendy Dixon
• Orchestra: The West Australian Symphony Orchestra
• Director: Neil Armfield
• Set Design: Elijah Moshinsky
• Lighting Design: Elijah Moshinsky
• Location: Filmed at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth
• Produced for Television by: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• Run Time: 113 minutes
• Format: DVD, 4:3 picture format
• Audio: Stereo
• Subtitles: English
• Region: All regions

Overview

This captivating production of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, performed by Opera Australia at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth, brings Henry James' chilling ghost story to life. Directed by Neil Armfield, with a haunting set designed by Elijah Moshinsky, the opera delves deep into psychological terror as the governess, played grippingly by Eilene Hannan, confronts two mysteriously possessed children in an isolated country estate.

Britten’s score, combined with the libretto by Myfanwy Piper, skillfully heightens the tension and ambiguity of the story, leading to an unsettling climax. The production was praised for its evocative lighting and atmosphere, enhancing the eerie otherworldliness of the story. The performance features the talented West Australian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Stanhope, creating a chilling and immersive experience.

Interesting Facts

• Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw premiered in 1954 and is one of the most celebrated chamber operas of the 20th century, known for its complex orchestration and psychological depth.
• This production, directed by Neil Armfield, was filmed live at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth and produced for television by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
• The set design by Elijah Moshinsky was acclaimed for its ability to capture the supernatural elements of the story with a minimalist yet evocative style, creating an atmosphere of creeping dread.
• Eilene Hannan’s portrayal of the troubled governess was highly praised, particularly for her emotional depth and the intensity she brought to the opera’s climactic final scene.

Publishers

• Produced by: K & A Productions Ltd.
• Published by: Opus Arte, under license from Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• DVD Series Producer: Tricia Petri

Hashtags

#BenjaminBritten #TheTurnOfTheScrew #OperaAustralia #HenryJames #EileneHannan #OperaDVD #PsychologicalHorror #BrittenOpera #ClassicalMusic #OpusArte #WestAustralianSymphonyOrchestra