THE STORY OF BILLY BUDD, SAILOR: NEW PERFORMANCE AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING
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The Story of Billy Budd, Sailor — Ted Huffman and Oliver Leith’s world-premiere opera, based on the work by Benjamin Britten — is being presented at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence from 5 to 10 July 2025 in the intimate setting of the Théâtre du Jeu de Paume. Although the four initial performances are nearly sold out, there’s good news for those of you who were afraid of missing out: due to overwhelming demand, and an additional performance has been scheduled for 10 July at 3 PM. Spread the word, and book now!
The story of Billy Budd is an enigma: how is it possible that this handsome sailor, admired by all, should have ended up a criminal, hanging from the mainmast of his ship? Drawing on Benjamin Britten’s opera, which itself was based on Herman Melville’s cult novella, composer Oliver Leith and stage director Ted Huffman have created an intense, pared-down work of musical theatre that lays bare the deeper stakes of this enigmatic parable.
BOOK NOW — THURSDAY 10 JULY, 3PM
Rehearsal for The Story of Billy Budd, Sailor after Britten
Stage direction: Ted Huffman — Musical adaptation: Oliver Leith
2025 Festival d'Aix-en-Provence © Julien Benhamou
