Page 72 - FINAL_Theatre of Sound Coverage Book

cast. Gerald Finley, Susan Bullock, Gweneth Ann Rand and Michael Mayes share the principal
roles, and the London Sinfonietta accompany in a new chamber version I have arranged and
which I will conduct [Pictured below: Mates, Rand, Finley, Evans and Hggins, with Bullock
joining on Zoom]

We have re-imagined the story of Bluebeard as a love story, a story of a long and happy
marriage, a story of holding on to special moments in a lifetime together, and, above all, a story
dealing with one of the biggest issues of today: living with dementia. Daisy and I have always felt
there has seemed to be a mismatch between the Gothic horror elements of the story and
Bartók’s music which is filled with such intense love and devotion. For me and the whole creative
team, many moments in the score have come to life in a vivid and exciting way once viewed from
this unique perspective, and we hope that this will be the case for audiences.

Susan Bullock, soprano

To take on the role of Judith in Bluebeard’s Castle for the first time at this point in my career, is
quite unusual but also a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed exploring the
psychological aspects of Bartók’s score and discovering the intimacy of Judith’s and Duke
Bluebeard’s relationship. Judith is a complex woman who is persistent in her quest to discover
the truth. This strength and complexity is demonstrated through her wide vocal range, which
spans gentle lyricism to an almost hysterical dramatism. I’ve found it fascinating to delve into her
psyche, especially in this unique retelling of the opera, which frames the piece as a love story
between a long-married couple living with dementia.