British director Carrie Cracknell makes her ENO debut with a new production of Berg’s twentieth century masterpiece Wozzeck

Opening Saturday 11 May, 7.30pm (6 performances)

A landmark production of Berg’s early twentieth-century masterpiece opens at the London Coliseum. Reflecting the breadth and diversity of the programme for which ENO won an Olivier Award, the company continues to engage with exciting creatives from across the arts. This production marks the opera directing debut of acclaimed British theatre director Carrie Cracknell. ENO Music Director Edward Gardner conducts a strong cast featuring a mix of British and international talent including Leigh Melrose, Tom Randle and James Morris.

Carrie Cracknell, an Associate Director of the Young Vic, was Artistic Director of the Gate Theatre from 2007 to 2012 where she directed numerous productions, including the South Bank Show Award nominated I Am Falling (2008) and collaborated with companies such as Sadler’s Wells and Headlong Theatre. Her recent production of A Doll’s House at the Young Vic Theatre earned her a nomination for Evening Standard’s Best New Director Award, and was hailed as ‘An intense emotional thriller’ (Sunday Express) and ‘a riveting production of Ibsen’s classic…’ (Financial Times). The production is being revived at the Young Vic in April 2013.

Often described as the most important and influential opera of the twentieth century Wozzeck was first performed by Berlin State Opera in 1925. Adapted from George Büchner’s play, Wozzeck charts a man’s decent into insanity, murder and self-destruction. This production will be the first staging of the opera by ENO in 25 years. The creative team includes set designer Tom Scutt, costume designer Naomi Wilkinson, and lighting designer Jon Clark.

Known for his outstanding repertoire of both classic and contemporary operatic works and following on from his performance as Wozzeck at last year’s Salzburg Festival, Leigh Melrose returns to ENO to sing the title role in this new production. After his ‘outstanding’ (The Express) appearance as Ulysses in Benedict Andrew’s The Return of Ulysses, Tom Randle sings the part of The Captain, with Bryan Register as The Drum-Major. Making his role debut as The Doctor is legendary bass/baritone James Morris in what will be his first performance in the UK in 17 years. The cast is complete with Adrian Dwyer as Andres, Andrew Greenan and James Cleverton as First and Second Workmen and Clare Presland as Margret. Making her UK debut is American soprano Sara Jakubiak as Marie.

Wozzeck opens at the London Coliseum on 11 May 2013 for 6 performances – May 11, 13, 15, 23, 25 (7.30pm) and May 18 (6.30pm)

Pre-performance talk, Monday 13 May 5.15- 6.00pm, £5/£2.50 concessions.

New production supported by George and Patti White