A circus opera in two acts, based on the American poet Robert Lax’s book by the same title. Circus Days and Nights is a collection of existential poems where the Circus acts as a metaphor for lifeand the human condition.

This brand new opera, commissioned by Cirkus Cirkör and Malmö Opera is com­posed by the legendary Philip Glass with a libretto written by Tony Award winner David Henry Hwang.The piece is co-concieved and directed by the Swedish circus director Tilde Björfors, recipient of the Premio Europa/New Theatrical Realities.

The story follows a travelling circus company from day into night, and investigates the circularity of time,the constant travelling and seeks the joy in the repetition of the daily chores of everybody involved inthis extended circus family. The circus tent acts as an image of the world, and of a greater spiritual side to the world’s perpetual journey through space, here interpreted as a circus act.

Circus Days and Nights is a co-production between Malmö Opera and Circus Cirkör. The opening is planned for May 2021 at The Malmö Opera. Available for touring from 2022.

Circus Days and Nights
An opera by Philip Glass
Libretto: David Henry Hwang, Tilde Björfors
Based on the poems by Robert Lax
Director and concept: Tilde Björfors

Conductor: Minna Weurlander
Set and costume design: Magdalena Åberg
Lighting design: Ellen Ruge
Sound Design: Avgoustos Psillas
Choreographers: Methinee Wongtrakoon, Simon Wiborn

Circus artists
Aaron Hakala
Andreas De Ryck
Beatriz Pantojo
Methinee Wongtrakoon
Nikolas Pulka
Peter Åberg
Simon Wiborn

Soloists
Elin Rombo
Margaux de Valensart
Jakob Högström
Anton Ljungqvist

Ensemble
Pierre Heault
Lars Johansson Brissman
Karolina Blixt

Musicians
Minna Weurlander, accordion
Viktor Nordliden, cello
Inga Zeppezauer, violin
Blagoj Lamnjov, clarinet
Oscar Fransson, trumpet
Martin Jönsson, bass trombone

Circus riggers
Mathieu Grégoire
Saar Rombout