Welcome to the Curlew River website. Here you will find information about the production of Curlew River (a Britten 100 Awards winner) that we are preparing to present in Israel in Sep/Oct 2013.

Our Curlew River is located in late 19th century Poland. A travelling band of Hassidim present a play that is sad as the world is sad ― a woman's young child has been stolen away from her, and she is crazy with grief. She searches for him, and arrives at the Curlew River. Those she meets there mock and persecute her. Their behavior foreshadows much future human misery and suffering.

And yet, as they learn the Madwoman's story and come to understand her, pity and compassion enter their hearts. As they sing glorious evening prayers, each in their own way, all experience a thrilling and miraculous "sign of God's grace".

In this unique production, sacred Hebrew text from the Rinat Yisrael prayer book replaces all sacred Latin text from the original libretto by William Plomer. A Maggid (holy story-teller) and his Hassidic followers sing in Hebrew in the first and last scene of the opera as they explain their purpose. They sing in English in the remaining scenes as they present their play (a re-telling of the Japanese Noh play Sumidagawa, by Kanze Juro Motomasa, from 15th century Japan). Dancers participate throughout the opera in various roles.

Caution: a performance of Benjamin Britten's Curlew River can deeply transform you. Your life may never be the same. Experiencing Curlew River with your loved ones is highly recommended!