''Hirda. Shetlandic. n.chaos, confusion, extreme undtidiness.''
This new opera tells the story of Alastair, a once successful actor who returns to his island home for the wedding of his brother Iain to Muireall, a young archivist working in the local museum. Everyone's world is turned upside down when Alastair and his sister-in-law find that they have a strong attraction to each other. This contemporary story is woven together with another story about a 19th century woman and her sailor fiancée which is told through the letters they write to each other. Hirda was commissioned by NOISE, (New Opera In Scotland Events). The opera is a collaboration between Chris Stout, Shetland fiddler and composer, with Gareth Williams, a contemporary classical composer based in Scotland. The librettist is Siân Evans, a Welsh playwright and linguist. It will be directed by James Robert Carson.
