Cat Hope | Speechless

Speechless (2019) is a contemporary Australian opera for four vocal soloists, bass orchestra and community choirs composed by Cat Hope. The work challenges contemporary notions of the operatic, creating an alternative libretto where words do not feature and no intended narrative is provided. Instead, Speechless communicates its intent to address a specific contemporary issue – child refugees in Australian detention centres – through programme notes and musical information. Speechless was awarded a 2020 Australian Art Music Award for Best New Work. Described as “unflinchingly original on every level”.

This promo was filmed during the first development at Vital Statistix, Port Adelaide.