As audiences descend into the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral, they will be submerged into the overlapping sounds and messages of scenarios presented by a chorus and four pairings of singer and instrumentalist. By moving between the stories being played out simultaneously in the crypt, listeners will make their own sense of a troubling world that is known only to immigrants.

Dublin-based Greek composer Evangelia Rigaki found the words she needed for her new work on the experience of transition in the writing of the Nigerian writer Melatu Uche Okorie. Their installation opera, This Hostel Life, is based on short stories Melatu wrote about the memories and experiences of immigrants while she herself was in direct provision.

The scenes will repeat and play continuously, allowing audience members to come and go during the two-hour performance window. Everyone can experience the opera at their own pace and in their own unique way. By moving through and around the stories playing simultaneously, listeners will make their own sense of a troubling world that is alien and hidden to most of us.

“Direct provision is like being in an abusive relationship.”

“I have called on every god. I have knocked on every door. I will search more forests and swim across more rivers. I will even try the strangers’ religion if it will bring back my sons.”

“He would wave and smile, and you would wave and smile back, until the day he told you he would give you 100 Euro if you slept with him.”

CAST

Amy Ní Fhearraigh (soprano)

Rachel Croash (soprano)

Andrew Gavin (tenor)

Robert McAllister (bass-baritone)

MUSICIANS

Parabasis Ensemble

William Dowdall (flute)

Martin Johnson (cello)

Richard O’Donnell (percussion)

New Dublin Voices

Conductor Bernie Sherlock

CREATIVE TEAM

Director Caitriona McLaughlin

Designer Sarah-Jane Shiels