Billy Budd

Benjamin Britten
6 performances
29.3.2022 – 30.4.2022
Operas
Main Stage
Total duration 3 h 10 min
Total duration 3 h 10 min
1 intermission (30 min)
6 performances
29.3.2022 – 30.4.2022
Operas
Main Stage
tickets
20-129 €
Performed in english
Surtitles in finnish, swedish and english

An opera at the core of humanity

Benjamin Britten’s sea-themed masterpiece makes its first appearance at the Finnish National Opera in spring 2022. The stirring production evokes the claustrophobic ambience of a World War II submarine. The production directed by Annalise Miskimmon for the Norwegian National Opera in 2019 has been immensely popular ever since its premiere. The breathtaking sets and costumes take the audience onto a submarine during the Vichy regime in 1940s France, where life is dictated by navy discipline and the inevitability of war.

Billy Budd reveals not only suppressed passions and the burden of guilt, but also the power of beauty and liberation. The intensive story gets under the skin and reflects the very core of humanity.

Suggested age guidance 12+. 

Photos: Erik Berg/Norwegian National Opera

Co-production of the Norwegian National Opera and Teatr Wielki, the Polish National Opera. 

Your safety is important to us

Please stay home if you have symptoms. You can cancel your tickets and refreshments as late as 24 hours before the performance starts. Read more about our safety recommendations here.

The view from the 3rd balcony to the top deck of the submarine may be partially obstructed.

Tickets & Performances

3 h 10 min
1 intermission (30 min)
6 performances
29.3.2022 – 30.4.2022
Operas
Main Stage
tickets
20-129 €
Performed in english
Surtitles in finnish, swedish and english
Tue 29.3.2022
at 19:00
Cast
Thu 31.3.2022
at 19:00
Cast
Sat 2.4.2022
at 19:00
Cast
Tue 5.4.2022
at 19:00
Cast
Thu 28.4.2022
at 19:00
Cast
Sat 30.4.2022
at 19:00
Cast

Watch trailer

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Synopsis

”What in the world have I done?” captain Edward Fairfax Vere asks, years after he has left the command of HMS Indomitable. Captain Vere, in his old age, looks back at past events on the ship.

When the good-natured, hard-working and handsome Billy Budd joins the crew of HMS Indomitable, everyone is enchanted by him. Billy has his weaknesses, however, and the hardened crew member Claggart has no hesitations about exploiting them. Billy becomes the target of envy and scheming, and ends up committing a crime under pressure. As a result, Captain Vere does something that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

You can read the full synopsis and other background information in the programme leaflet.

Creative team

Music
Benjamin Britten
Director
Annilese Miskimmon
Sets and costumes
Annemarie Woods
Lighting design
Paule Constable
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Cast

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#BillyBudd #FNOBillyBudd

British composer Benjamin Britten is particularly revered for his vocal music. Billy Budd echoes with the roar of the seas, which is co-created by the tempestuous orchestra, imposing chorus, and virtuoso soloists.

Listen to Billy Budd

Complete the experience with refreshments

What can we get you?

Choose your favourite refreshments from this season’s tasty menu. You can easily add refreshments to your shopping basket while selecting tickets in our online store.

The services of the Opera Restaurant are available before performances and during the interval. Order beforehand and avoid the queues.

Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific table for orders made via the online store. We may also seat several parties at the same table. You may be assigned a bar height table for enjoying refreshments standing up.

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