Projects / Performance / The Roswell Incident
The subject of 'The Roswell Incident' was a possible crash in the wilderness of New Mexico in 1947 of an unidentified flying object, and the mythology and speculation which have surrounded this event.
Music Theatre Wales artistic director Michael McCarthy described it as "a fascinating story with strong human and emotional undercurrents... an intriguing new music-theatre piece... a cinematic piece in which image, music and message blend together."
Scored for child singer, soprano, tenor and baritone with string quartet, piano, percussion and electro-acoustic soundworld, the libretto is by Heledd Wyn.
“A powerful new opera”
Duncan Hadfield, The Independent, 3-9 May 1997
“Hardy’s approachable score… ranges from Brittenesque nerviness… to New Age, neo-minimalist lyricism.”
Rodney Miles, The Times, 13 May 1997
“Cunningly crafted… score.”
Christopher Morley, The Birmingham Post, 31 May 97
“Hardy’s fretful, quick-fire
exchanges… are witty… the vocal pointillism clicks… the odd
instrumental touch (eerie, zither-like keyboard, a three-second glisten
of violin harmonics) makes appealing subliminal contributions.
The focal character… seems to stand
outside normal time and space… [seeming] to be an unnerving liberated
reflection of ourselves… Hardy gives this young slyph recitatives
ranging from minor thirds… to quite supple, intricate vocal cat’s
cradles and octave pirouettes.”
Roderic Dunnett, The Independent, 3 June 97
“A remarkable topical opera… both
modern and approachable, outré and understandable… [the] audience… were
captivated and enthralled.”
Michael Courtney Soper, Contact International UK, 9 June 97
“Another notable success [for Music Theatre Wales.]”
Jon Holliday, The Stage, 3 July 97
“The piece deserves further life.”
Rodney Miles, Opera, August 1997