Page 434 - Aldeburgh Festival 2022 FINAL COVERAGE BOOK

Frances Gregory as Laura (Photo: Marc Brenner)

Violet’s depression, driven by the regularity of the clock, slowly turns to hope
for the central character as time is lost and society disintegrates. The
conclusion is bleak and appropriately ambiguous, though the epilogue – a
concluding animated sequence depicting computer-generated characters –
jarred stylistically. I need to think further on what was being said in the
epilogue.

What I liked most was the work’s efficiency (driven no doubt by the relentless
loss of time the inhabitants of the town are experiencing themselves). It was
that efficiency that helped make the production a compelling watch.

Anna Dennis possesses a magical voice – clear, distinct, rounded, and warm.
She made light work of Coult many high notes and intricate melodic lines.
The co-production between Britten-Pears Arts and Music Theatre Wales was
originally scheduled for premiere at the 2020 Aldeburgh Festival but was
postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

‘Violet’ continues at the Aldeburgh Festival on 5th June (tickets from
£10). There are performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff (8
June), Theatr Clwyd, Mold (19 June), Hackney Empire, London (23 June),
and Buxton International Festival (18 July). It is a must-see.