Festen is a powerful opera adaptation of Thomas Vinterberg's cult film, centered around a 60th birthday celebration hosted by wealthy hotel owner Helge. As the night unfolds, tensions rise when his son Christian reveals a deeply buried family secret during his speech. The production features a compelling score by composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and is directed by Richard Jones, with a cast that includes Darren Jeffery as Helge, Susan Bickley as Else, and Daniel Brenna as Christian. Premiering on March 27, 2026, at the Finnish National Opera, this adaptation intertwines dark humor and raw emotion, reimagining the film's intense drama in a bold operatic format.
Cast and Creative Team for Festen at Finnish National Opera and Ballet
Cast
Robert Bork
Grandfather
Kirsi Tiihonen
Grandmother
Georgia Jarman
Mette
Natalya Romaniw
Helena
John Chest
Michael
Daniel Brenna
Christian
Susan Bickley
Else
Darren Jeffery
Helge
Creative Team
Lee Hall
Librettist
James Hendry
Conductor.
Benjamin Davis
Revival Director
Lucy Burge
Movement Director
Lucy Carter
Lighting Designer
Nicky Gillibrand
Costume Designer
Miriam Buether
Set Designer
Richard Jones
Director
Mark-Anthony Turnage
Composer
News About Festen at Finnish National Opera and Ballet
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