Wiener Festwochen 2019: Penelope Sleeps

With the support of composer and performer Matteo Fargion, the Norwegian artist Mette Edvardsen is venturing into the world of opera for the first time. Edvardsen, who is also bringing her library of living books to the Wiener Festwochen, writes an essay suggesting alternative scenarios for the mythological figure of Penelope. In it, she looks for different facets beyond the waiting, which is usually the only feature the faithful wife is associated with. Essai means attempt in French, and opera is the Italian word for work. In this “attempt at work”, new horizons are opened up. A singer swathes Penelope Sleeps in sounds without conforming to classical notions of opera. Rather, this intimate evening is about the relationship between voice and language, body and music. About playing and experimenting – both in thought and in art.