A new production of anti-war classic “War Requiem,” a collaboration between National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts and London-based English National Opera, is set to hit the stage Feb. 28 and March 1 in the southern Taiwan city.
Written by British composer and noted pacifist Benjamin Britten, the 1962 piece is hailed as one of the greatest choral works of the past century. It combines the traditional Latin Mass for the dead with poems by Wilfred Owen, who died fighting in World War I.
NKCA’s artistic director Chien Wen-pin said the show is an expression of universal humanist values. Its launch on Peace Memorial Day, commemorating the 228 Incident, gives the performance special relevance because “War Requiem” highlights feelings of helplessness in the face of conflict, he added.
According to show director Daniel Kramer, inspiration for the production came from Britain’s recent experiences commemorating 100 years since World War I ended, with the anniversary still fresh in his mind when he proposed the cooperative effort to Chien.
Consisting of six movements, “War Requiem” presents Britten’s interpretation of the nature of violent confrontation, the bond between fellow soldiers and love for one’s country. (TYT-E)
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