Experience the drama and emotion of BREAKING THE WAVES in a new opera production, live at the London Coliseum in 2027.
In sickness and in health…
This hauntingly beautiful opera explores faith, heartbreak and loss with unflinching emotional intensity. Emerging as one of the most powerful contemporary operas of our time and adapted from Lars von Trier’s critically acclaimed film, Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking the Waves comes to ENO in a striking new production for 2026/27.
Book your BREAKING THE WAVES theatre tickets with LOVEtheatre today!
On a remote Scottish island, within a strict religious community, Bess meets oil rig worker Jan, and they fall in love. They are happily married, until a terrible accident leaves Jan paralysed and no longer able to have a sexual relationship with his wife.
He asks Bess to have sex with other men and describe her experiences to him; convincing her that this will help him to heal. Bess, a deeply devout woman, believing it’s God’s will, reluctantly embarks upon a series of increasingly dangerous encounters with strangers.
Tickets are available for performances 13 February – 25 February 2027.
2 hours and 35 minutes, with one interval.
Joana Carneiro (Conductor), Tinuke Craig (Director), Royce Vavrek (Librettist)
Lauren Snouffer (Bess McNeill), Liam James Karai (Jan Nyman), Joanne Evans (Dodo McNeill), Emma Bell (Mrs McNeill), Elgan Llŷr Thomas (Dr Richardson), Andri Björn Róbertsson (Terry), Freddie Tong (Councilman).
