Irish stage director Orpha Phelan's production of Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking at Royal Danish Opera has won the Reumert Award for Best Opera Production. You can view a video of the award ceremony here.
The Reumert Award is Denmark's most prestigious performing arts prize. Last year, it was awarded to another one of Orpha Phelan's productions, Powder Her Face.
Dead Man Walking had been received enthusiastically by critics when it opened earlier this year:
“Thoroughly well put together ... A strong and moving staging by Orpha Phelan, of a strong and moving work. Too much for anyone ... but it is great art.”
Søren Kassebeer, Berlingske ******
“Staged with great understanding by Irish director, Orpha Phelan.”
Knud Cornelius, Frederiksborg Amts Avis *****
“In Orpha Phelan’s direction the story flows clearly. Her staging is solid. ... A brilliant design.”
Carlhåkan Larsén, HD
“The audience is saved no details. Experiencing this production of Dead Man Walking is like watching a film immersed in a large musical aquarium of emotions. Depicted vividly with cinematic accuracy….this is a sharply staged production.”
Politiken *****
“No imperfections in this production of Orpha Phelan’s where the staging and design are expansive, yet flexible.”
Peter Dürrfeld, Kristeligt Dagblad *****
