The Flying Dutchman – The Grand Junction
Glyn Maxwell and Laura Bowler's reworking of the mythic tale of the seaman condemned to sail the seas unless he finds his true love puts a topical spin on Wagner's 1843 opera, "Der fliegende Holländer". In this version, England's borders are closed to strangers, the vigilante Watch group scan the sea from the cliffs on the look-out for anyone trying to "invade", harsh measures are being implemented to deter those trying to cross the sea. One of the Watch, Starlight, begins to empathise with those seeking refuge and tries to persuade others to have more compassion. Mari, leader of the Watch and the antithesis of Starlight, sees her sympathy as treason. There's also a thread of unrequited love coming into play between Mari and Starlight. Meanwhile, the Mariner, injured and alone on his raft,...