Breaking The Waves

About Breaking The Waves

Breaking The Waves is an opera set on a remote Scottish island, where Bess lives within a strict religious community. She meets oil rig worker Jan, they fall in love and marry, but their relationship is changed by a terrible accident that leaves Jan paralysed and unable to have a sexual relationship with his wife.

Jan asks Bess to have sex with other men and describe her experiences to him, believing it will help him to heal. Bess, convinced that this is God’s will, reluctantly follows his request and is drawn into a series of increasingly dangerous encounters with strangers.

The story asks how far Bess will go for love, and whether her sacrifice will save Jan or leave her trapped by a system indifferent to her suffering.

Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes, including one interval. Sung in English, with subtitles projected above the stage.

Before you book

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

Venue

Accessibility seating information is available via the venue’s accessibility page.

Accessibility: For more information on accessibility seating, please click the access link provided.