WNYO - new writing for new audiences

The Sleeper

Welsh National Youth Opera

Composed by Stephen Deazley

Libretto by Michael Symmons Roberts

The Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay

14^th July 2011

reviewed by Chelsey Gillard

As a “Young Person” involved in the creative arts it seems that one of the most frequently asked questions is “how do we get young people involved in and excited by theatre?” The answer is quite simply productions like “The Sleeper”; it’s innovative, exciting and inclusive, taking place in a non-theatre environment, therefore breaking down yet another barrier, it offers something that you certainly can’t get through TV or film.

In some futuristic world where sleeping has long been against the law, young people have forgotten how to perform this most basic of human functions. Taken by feral youths into a dirty squat in a car park underneath the venue, we discover that one among them can indeed sleep.

This “Sleeper” becomes a prime target for the police and for more shadowy figures such as Hypnos, whose mother was the last known sleeper.

Running from the authorities the youths lead us through a tunnel plastered with posters stating the dangers of sleeping, claiming that freedom relies on wakefulness. They take refuge in Hypnos’ home, having been told by his daughter that he can help them. 

Once inside the Coal Exchange we are inside what I assume is Hypnos’ house. From the ceiling hang white night gowns like giant, obscure baby mobiles, creating a surreal dream world where Hypnos hopes to find the new sleeper.

When the real sleeper is finally uncovered she is led to a bed in a cage where Hypnos says he wants to film her sleep. Weirdly and for unknown reasons he decides to kiss her and the performance takes on sexually deviant tones. Of course this being a youth production nothing wrong actually happens. 

Not wanting to ruin the ending I will leave the story here.

To be perfectly honest I did not understand much past this basic bones of a plot; the whys and wheres either were not explained or got lost in the often confusing overlapping voices. But despite the fact that I really didn’t have a clue what was going on I really enjoyed the whole production.

Performed by youngsters from 16 to 25, the show had a really professional feeling, with the cast being not only highly talented but also highly professional. For the most part it was an ensemble performance with every voice complementing the others, the group moved as one and there was a real sense of camaraderie. 

The combination of great music, voices and design left me wanting more and I wish the show, which was a little over an hour, was longer so I could let myself get further lost in this dystopian world. 

With a modern story and a modern way of telling it (through a promenade performance) WNYO have certainly created something new and exciting. Although the narrative may have been a bit lacking, the production overall was thoroughly entertaining. I can’t wait to see what the young company will do next and I hope they continue to experiment with new ideas that will continue to draw in a younger audience for opera.