A dystopian society is often fictional, oppressive and undesirable – making
the perfect setting for a dramatic opera! Here are some of the most powerful
operas set in dystopian societies, that may be closer to home than one might
hope…
## Poul Ruders, The Handmaid’s Tale
[YouTube
Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/r9UiwE3p8cA?start=70&feature=oembed)
Video
[_The Handmaid’s Tale_](https://www.eno.org/operas/the-handmaids-tale/) is a
powerful opera by [Poul Ruders](https://www.eno.org/composers/poul-ruders/),
based on the world renowned novel by Margaret Atwood. Audiences are thrust
into the troubling Republic of Gilead where women are completely stripped of
their rights in a patriarchal society. Ruders cleverly uses his minimalist
composition to depict this unnerving dystopia, with medieval chanting
representing their archaic practices, and gospel music representing the
‘religious’ justification behind it.
We learn about the ins and outs of Gilead through the eyes of the Handmaid,
Offred. It’s through her daily life that we understand the horrors that face
all fertile women in this version of reality. Within the novel, it’s through
Offred’s first person account, which Ruders had to adapt for an opera with
multiple roles.
[An introduction to The Handmaid’s Tale](https://www.eno.org/discover-
opera/operas/an-introduction-to-the-handmaids-tale/)
## Philip Glass, The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five
_The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five_ is a two act opera by
minimalist composer [Philip Glass](https://www.eno.org/composers/philip-
glass/). It is based on the second book in the ‘Canopus in Argos’ series by
science fiction author, Doris Lessing. Representing the differences between
men and women, this is considered to be one of the best examples of a feminist
dystopian tale…
In this world, Shikasta or Earth is surrounded by six zones, each made up of
their own ‘societies’. These zones act like independent countries, with their
own leaders and ways of living, which can cause friction between opposing
ideologies. The opera follows the conflict between zone three, a gentle,
matriarchal society run by Queen Al-Ith and zone four, a chaotic society run
by a warrior King. If left unresolved, this dispute could have disastrous
consequences, disrupting the balance of this ‘new world’ as they know it.
[Learn more about Philip Glass](https://www.eno.org/discover-opera/explore-
more/philip-glass-music-and-where-to-start/)
## Lorin Maazel, 1984
[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/e8cB1HB5sLM?feature=oembed)
Video
_1984_ is one of the most famous dystopian novels by George Orwell. American
composer, Maazel, transformed this infamous tale into a chilling opera for new
audiences to enjoy. It is set in a surveillance state, in the ‘not too distant
future’, where citizens are controlled by an ever watching oppressor called
‘Big Brother’. This has lent itself to many adaptations in popular culture,
from the popular reality TV show, to the operatic stage.
It follows the life of Winston as he begins to question the authoritarian
world around him. After falling in love with fellow citizen ‘Julia’ he begins
to commit small acts of rebellion. But, whenever an individual shows any signs
of going against the state they are sent to the mysterious ‘Room 101’. It’s
here the opera reaches its dramatic finale where the audience discovers just
how citizens are kept in line…
## Leoš Janáček, The Makropulos Affair
[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/gPOkG40fwT0?feature=oembed)
Video
_The Makropulos Affair_ is a czech opera by composer Leoš
[Janáček](https://www.eno.org/composers/leos-janacek/), based on the popular
play by Karel Čapek. It is set in a relatively familiar society, with only one
core difference to the world we know – eternal life is possible. Thanks to an
envelope containing the elixir of life, Ellian MacGregor has lived for 300
years.
However, she found everlasting life mundane, and decided to give the gift of
eternal youth to Kristina who burns the envelope and chooses a shorter, more
meaningful life. Therefore, the opera raises questions around the idealistic
notion of eternal youth, as perhaps in reality, it’s not quite what we dreamed
it would be.
Related Content: The Handmaid’s Tale: Opera and Beyond; Related Content: The Beginner’s Guide to Philip Glass