When Pandora dared to open a forbidden box in ancient Greece, she let loose all the evils of the world. When performer Le Gateau Chocolat opens the modern equivalent, what concealed traumas, contaminants or afflictions will he discover?
The Lowry-commissioned Pandora, by Le Gateau Chocolate, is an operatic exploration of identity and trauma based on the Pandora myth, and will receive its premiere at The Lowry in Salford with two performances on November 25-26.
Through his blend of entertainment and tender-hearted insight, the international cabaret drag artist Gateau reinterprets the age-old story, examining how a loss of innocence and the discovery of painful truth forces us to evolve, develop and ultimately survive.
The performer's most ambitious show to date, sees Gateau – whose celebrated baritone has been heard on stages from the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House to English National Opera and Beyreuth - joined on stage by a 16-piece Manchester Camerata ensemble, with a score sampling textures from the classical and operatic worlds, original music and pop music.
Le Gateau Chocolat says: “Four years have passed since I wrote this. The irony and parallels between the Pandora myth and the pandemic we’ve all just experienced is not lost on me.
“I'm thrilled and honoured that our friends at The Lowry have held the space and support for us to finally complete this world premiere in November, and tremendously excited to be performing with Manchester Camerata for the first time.”
More info and tickets here