A satirical beast fable that is happening now

This impactful opera is an experience unlike anything seen before at the Finnish National Opera. In an uprising on a farm, a group of animals overthrow their farmer’s tyrannical reign. Little by little, their new society begins to mirror human civilisation, and their original principles of equality are cast aside.

Alexander Raskatov’s (b. 1953) compelling music delves deep into the shadows of human nature. Animal Farm was first performed in Amsterdam in the spring of 2023, quickly earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. In November 2023, it was awarded world premiere of the year at the International Opera Awards gala.

George Orwell’s (1903–1950) Animal Farm, written in 1945, is a poignant allegory for the evolution of the Russian Revolution into Stalin’s brutal regime. Tragically, Orwell’s critique still resonates in today’s world.

Animal Farm is a Co-Production and Co-Commission of Dutch National Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Teatro Massimo Palermo and Finnish National Opera.

”Animal Farm is raucous and jarring, dark and unsettling, brazen and virtuosic. It deserves
a life beyond this production, not least because its themes, sadly, show no signs of ageing.”

– Financial Times

watch teaser

The video content can only be played if you have accepted targeting cookies. To modify your cookie settings, go to cookie settings at the bottom of the page.

synopsis

Tired of their owner, Farmer Jones, the animals revolt and take over the farm. Initially, their society thrives, and they are filled with hope for a future with less labour, better education, and more abundant food. Problems emerge as the pigs, Napoleon and Snowball, fight for the hearts and minds of the other animals. Ultimately, the pigs’ revolutionary ideal of equality is reduced to just a slogan: ”All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”

Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.

gallery

creative team

cast

listen to raskatov’s compositions

You must accept functional cookies to listen to the playlist. To modify your cookie settings, go to cookie settings at the bottom of the page.

tickets and performances

Secure your seat with a season ticket

the keys to an entertaining evening