Philip Glass's dance opera, based on the novel by Jean Cocteau, is a story of Paul and Lise, two siblings who live isolated in their room, playing their private Game in an world of fantasies. As the children fluctuate between consuming adoration and jealous hatred for each other, their increasingly twisted Game eventually leads to tragedy when confronted with the outside world of adulthood.

Music by Philip Glass
Libretto by Philip Glass and Susan Marshall
Based on the novel by Jean Cocteau

Directed by Janne Lehmusvuo
Choreography by Thomas Freundlich

A production of Helsinki Skaala Opera



Photo: Annika Nieminen and Teemu Kyytinen

"...a daring work that does not hesitate to mix different genres of the performing arts... top-rate dance, opera and theatre... the quality of the dance is guaranteed by the impressive, precise ensemble."
- Skenet online magazine for culture, September 2005
Read review (in Finnish)

"Philip Glass's Les Enfants Terribles conjures up the sickly magic of a bygone era. The seeping poison has permeated everything, with the four dancers acting as Lise's inner demons, helping her manipulate and torment the other occupants of the room."
- Hannu-Ilari Lampila, Helsingin Sanomat, Helsinki, Finland, 29.11.2005


"The idea of using the dancers to convey the interior world of the characters is an excellent insight, successfully realized in Janne Lehmusvuo's direction... the vocabulary of the classical ballet creates its own magic. The skillful dancers were a joy to watch."
- Eija-Riitta Airo-Karttunen, Kainuun Sanomat, Kajaani, Finland, 27.11.2005

Photo: Soprano Tuuli Lindeberg with dancers

"A highly successful realization... the dance deepens the emotional impact of the events and brings a symbolic level to the piece."
- Matti Lehtonen, Turun Sanomat, Turku, Finland, 26.9.2005
Read review (in Finnish)

"The dance takes over many of the functions reserved for music in traditional opera, filling in the shadows and depth beneath the action... The four singers and four dancers blend into an amazingly organic ensemble."
- Katrina Stenius, Radio Vega, 27.9.2005

"The grim story is realized through a fine job of scenic stylization. The choreography combines contemporary dance and ballet without breaking the style... A beautiful production that integrates its elements in a happy synthesis."
- Mikael Kosk, Hufvudstadsbladet, Helsinki, Finland, 26.9.2005

Lighting by Kalle Aaltonen
Costumes by Janne Lehmusvuo and Tyra Therman
Stage manager: Santeri Merjankari
Musical director and conductor: Sasha Mäkilä
Soloists: Vikke Häkkinen (baritone), Tuuli Lindeberg (soprano), Jussi Myllys (tenor), Tuula Paavola (alto)
Dancers: Annika Nieminen, Riku Koskinen, Teemu Kyytinen, Thomas Freundlich
Pianists: Tuula Hällström, Taru Ritavesi, Anu Vehviläinen

Finnish premiere at Alexander Theatre, Helsinki, September 24th, 2005

Photos by TF Communications