The work is a digital short film with operatic aspirations that integrates contemporary music, theatrical narration, and cinematic language. It explores in a profound and symbolic manner the themes of identity, alienation, and the complexity of human relationships within the context of a fragmented and hyperconnected society. The narrative follows three young characters grappling with their insecurities and desires in a world where the search for attention and external approval intertwines with the need for authenticity. Through their interactions, the conflict between ego and vulnerability emerges, featuring moments of intimacy and tension reflected in the interplay between stylized images and a highly emotive soundtrack.
The direction leverages the power of symbolic imagery and dynamic editing to create an immersive audiovisual experience, where original music merges seamlessly with the visual component in an effective synthesis that transcends the traditional boundaries of lyric theater. The production highlights emerging talent in vocal and musical fields, offering an artistic reflection on ego and human fragility with elegance and intensity.
Through a direction that exploits the strength of stylized visuals and energetic editing, the narrative unfolds around the stories of three young characters, whose inner tensions and existential conflicts are expressed through an original musical score with strong emotional impact. This audiovisual approach emphasizes the interaction between sound and image, creating an immersive experience that surpasses the conventional limits of lyric theater. The production aligns with the landscape of contemporary short works, showcasing emerging vocal and musical talent, and proposing an artistic reflection on the dynamics of ego and human fragility, portrayed with elegance and intensity.

Director: Antonia Bain Story: Jenni Fagan Screenplay: Jenni Fagan Camera Operator: Gordon Ballantyne Music: Samuel Bordoli Cast: Arthur Bruce (Angus), Mark Nathan (Kai), Charlie Drummond (Belle) Production: Scottish Opera, through the Emerging Artists 2019/20 programme, with the support of the New Commissions Circle and Idlewild Trust Distribution: online premiere on 18 June 2020 on the Scottish Opera website (UK) Origin: United Kingdom (UK) Year: 2020 Running time: 13’