In this video sequence, ENO’s Head of Publications Philip Reed takes us on a journey through the history of Britten’s The Turn of the Screw with a selection of original artefacts from the Britten-Pears Foundation archive. From Britten’s diary entry for the day he first heard of James’ novella as a radio play, to his composition draft manuscript, there is a wealth of material to explore.
Additionally, and as a special feature, artist Maggi Hambling talks about her tribute to Britten, the controversial sculpture ‘Scallop’ (2002). Sitting on Aldeburgh beach, the sculpture is situated close to Britten’s residences Crag House, where he wrote The Turn of the Screw, and the famous Red House where the Britten-Pears Foundation is now based. There is also a clip from the TV premiere of the Turn of the Screw broadcast in 1959, starring Jennifer Vyvyan (Governess) and Arda Mandikian (Miss Jessel).
With thanks to the Britten-Pears Foundation.
Photo: Julia Margaret Cameron, RPS Collection at the NMeM/SSPL
