Image: University of Aberdeen
GB 0231 MS 3792/E1568XA
'The King and His Shadow' is a brief re-enactment of a dramatic proclamation of James Francis Stuart (the Old Pretender) as the rightful King of Scotland at Mercat Cross in Aberdeen by The Earl Marischal and his men.
Although the 1715 Jacobite Rising, as with all the others, was unsuccessful, the romantic notion of the event still resonates today, and Peter Davidson’s evocative libretto captures this beautifully.
N.B.
This is a short opera which lasts no longer than 10 minutes. It will be performed multiple times between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July.
There is no need to book in advance - simply come along and enjoy a performance. There may be a short delay before the performance starts.
Silver City Pop-Up Opera features 3 newly commissioned site-specific operas which will take place in key historic sites across Aberdeen. These are linked to stories and/or historic figures and places associated with the city including the Jacobite uprising, the tragic tale of Fittie’s harbour master, and the Great Scottish Witch Hunt in the 16th century. The operas are composed by Phillip Cooke, Errollyn Wallen and Joe Stollery.
These immersive operas vary in length from 5-10 minutes, allowing them to be performed multiple times over the weekend in public spaces by a mix of local performers from the University of Aberdeen and young professionals from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Silver City Stories is an event which aims to showcase, celebrate and debate the history and heritage of Aberdeen and its People. The event is supported by Aberdeen City Council, The University of Aberdeen and Visit Aberdeenshire.
The programme of events is created by residents, artists and community groups - all of which celebrate the history, heritage and architecture of Aberdeen.
These events complement the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology which is a Scottish Government initiative.
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/silvercitystories
