This Benjamin: Lessons in Love and Violence DVD, is the second opera by George Benjamin and Martin Crimp. Based on the true story of Edward II and Piers Gaveston, it delves into the dangerous repercussions of intertwining personal and political relationships.
The King lives in a close but uneasy relationship with his wife Isabel, their two children and his lover Gaveston. When the King banishes his military advisor Mortimer, he sets off a chain of devastating events.
Benjamin’s richly-orchestrated score perfectly captures the
drama’s intense emotions, while director Katie Mitchell provides a visually stunning contemporary staging, highlighting the timelessness of the opera’s main themes. The composer himself conducts a superb international cast. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound.
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King: Stéphane Degout
Isabel: Barbara Hannigan
Gaveston/Stranger: Gyula Orendt
Mortimer: Peter Hoare
Boy / Young King: Samuel Boden
Witness 1/Singer 1/Woman 1: Jennifer France
Witness 2/Singer 2/Woman 2: Krisztina Szabó
Witness 3/Madman: Andri Björn Róbertsson
Orchestra of The Royal Opera House
Conductor: George Benjamin
Stage Director: Katie Mitchell
Extras: Clemency Burton-Hill interviews George Benjamin, Martin Crimp and Katie Mitchell / Cast Gallery
Picture: 16:9
Sound: LPCM 2.0 & DTS Digital Surround 5.1
Format: NTSC
Region code: 0 (worldwide)
Running Time: 93 mins
Year: 2018