THE MOUTH OF THE GODS
He who was The Mouth of the Gods remembered what had not yet happened: “Scattered through the world shall be the women who sing and the men who sing and all who sing… Men will be turned into slaves. Sad will be the face of the sun.”
"an inventive project that turns the stuffy inaccessibility of classically renditioned opera on its head" The Reviews Hub *****
"Border Crossings are well known for their innovative cross-cultural productions, and in this venture they have truly excelled themselves.... a supremely inventive cultural collage" Plays to See *****
"one of the most unique and special experiences I’ve had this year" Salterton Arts Review ****
"The delicacy and linguistic richness of instruments, drums, voices, married with the European and Indigenous dance steps makes this a profound experience." South London Community Matters
Click here for the online programme
THE MOUTH OF THE GODS was an immersive performance exploring the rich history and ongoing cultural significance of Latin America's Indigenous peoples. Combining ancestral dances, intricate embroidery, and shamanic ritual with the extraordinary baroque music born from the meeting of European and Indigenous traditions, the performance was a powerful journey from the oppressive colonial era towards renewal and hope. At its core was the rediscovered opera San Francisco Xavier, written in the Chiquitano language by an unknown Indigenous composer.
THE MOUTH OF THE GODS grew from an extraordinary collaboration with Latin American artists and community members. Celebrated Peruvian soprano Edith Ramos Guerra made her first UK appearances alongside Quechua/Aymara tenor Rafael Montero; while Johnny Rodriguez brought his expertise in traditional Andean music to enrich the baroque orchestra, under the direction of Matthew Morley, former Chorus Master at the English National Opera.
Members of the Latin American community actively contributed to the staging by participating in heritage dance, crafting and animating Indigenous-style puppets, and meticulously re-creating a funerary mantle inspired by the ancient Paracas civilization, under the guidance of Amazonian master embroiderer Bella Lane.
Set within the historic space of Hoxton Hall, this fusion of operatic and Indigenous, professional and community arts created a unique, shared exploration of profound themes: conquest and resistance, life and death, regeneration and spiritual continuity. THE MOUTH OF THE GODS transcended conventional theatre, offering a profound artistic experience that honours heritage and sparks our collective imagination.
THE MOUTH OF THE GODS project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players. Also supported by the Cockayne Foundation, London Community Foundation and the Marchus Trust. Co-produced by Hoxton Hall. Press - info@chloenelkinconsulting.com.
