Ben and Imo

Alternative Stage Founding Donor

Major Sponsor of the Greek National Opera

The GNO Alternative Stage presents the national premiere of the play Ben and Imo by the bold and prolific British writer Mark Ravenhill, who marked the 90s with the in-yer-face Shopping and Fucking. Inspired by the true story of the passionate collaboration between Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst, the work is presented under the direction and translation of Giorgos Skevas, a creator who stands out for his contemplative perspective and poetic, visual approach to his works.

We are in 1952, a while before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. To celebrate this occasion, Benjamin Britten has nine months to compose a new opera, Gloriana, about the new queen’s predecessor, Queen Elizabeth I. In this stressful context, an enthusiastic and full-of-energy person invades his life: Imogen Holst – the daughter of composer Gustav Holst, who is also an established composer and music teacher herself. Ben has invited her to help him compose the opera. Imo’s sincere and practical attitude becomes the perfect counterbalance for the irritable and quirky Britten. What starts as a professional relationship transforms, through conflicts and disputes, into a strong, friendly, and collaborative bond that not only leads the opera Gloriana to its premiere but also lasts for the rest of their lives.

The performance is set in Britten’s house in Eastern England, with the sea laid out in front of it. What happens when a creator feels they are never good enough? What is the price of failure in an artist’s career? Can conflict boost creativity? The dramaturgy follows the rhythm of progression of a chamber music work. The voices of the two actors serve as contrasting foils to one another, weaving a narrative web that aligns with the music and fascinatingly illuminates the concept of artistic creation.

Originally written to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s birth and presented by BBC Radio 3 in 2013, Ben and Imo was subsequently adapted for the stage, premiering at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2024.

*The permission for the theatrical presentation of this work was granted by the Greek company THE ARTBASSADOR / Performing Arts Management: https://www.theartbassador.gr/el, on behalf of the author, Mark RAVENHILL, and his agent, UNITED AGENTS: https://www.unitedagents.co.uk.