Breaking The Waves

About Breaking The Waves

Breaking The Waves at the London Coliseum is an opera set on a remote Scottish island within a strict religious community. It follows Bess and oil rig worker Jan as they fall in love and marry.

When a serious accident leaves Jan paralysed and unable to have a sexual relationship with his wife, he asks Bess to have sex with other men and describe her experiences to him, believing it will help him to heal. Bess, deeply devout and convinced it is God’s will, reluctantly agrees and is drawn into a series of increasingly dangerous encounters with strangers.

The story traces the consequences of that sacrifice and the pressure on Bess as she faces the demands of love, faith and suffering.

Key facts: Running time 2hrs 35mins, including one interval. Sung in English, with subtitles projected above the stage.

Before you book

Recommended age guidance is 18+. This opera contains depictions of sex and violence, including domestic and sexual violence, violence in a religious context, mutilation and attempted suicide.

Venue

London Coliseum.

For more information on accessibility seating, please visit londoncoliseum.org/plan-your-visit/access/.