The Modern Theatre of Myth presents

“The Immortal Hour”

by Fiona Macleod (1899) music by Greg Dinunzi (2024)

Premier on Sunday March 16, 2025 at 19:30

Assembly Rooms of Glastonbury tickets: https://ethicaltickets.org

 
 

Fiona Macleod’s masterpiece “The Immortal Hour” was written in 1899, and is a rooted in the older Fairy traditions of the Irish and Scottish peoples. It was later made into an opera by composer Rutland Boughton which premiered at the Assembly Rooms of Glastonbury in 1914.

Now, 111 years later, comes a brand new vision for “The Immortal Hour” by Greg Dinunzi which highlights the poetry and ritual within the play, respecting and celebrating the ancient tradition of the Celtic people. Dinunzi fuses classical chamber music with immersive atmospheres and builds a nest in which the magical characters and poetry stand forth anew in clear moonlight.

 
A moody, dreamy meditation on life, death, love and immortality. Based loosely on the Irish myth “The Wooing of Etain”, the story follows the love of a mortal king, Eochaidh for an immortal fairy woman Etain who at the end of a year with him is reclaimed by her immortal lover, Midir. Woven throughout is the enigmatic and dark fairy fool, Dalua, who stands on the threshold between the worlds.
— —Legare Street Press
 

The Immortal Hour is presented by a small international cast under the direction of Georgia McGill (NY), with composer Greg Dinunzi (NY/Berlin) providing the immersive music and soundscapes live.

Choreography is by Lucy Costelloe (UK/Germany) Costumes by Debra Otte (NY)

Lights by Sophia Horend (Germany) Sound Design by Tom Lynn (NY/Germany)

 
 

The Cast:

Eochaidh, King of Eire: Fra Gunn

Etain, Immortal Sidhe Woman: Lia Fisher Lindman, Lucy Costelloe

Midir, Sidhe Prince: Julius P. Williams III

Manus & Maeve, Owners of the Huntsman’s Lodge: Gareth Mills & Abbe Gail Gross

Bard & Musician: The Blackbird

 

The Orchestra consists of Classical Guitar, Vibraphone, Bass Clarinet, Viola, Cello, Duduk and features RJ Stewart on Psaltery

 
 

Many poets say that when it comes to poetic composition of the highest order, then a brooding sense of presence is felt, the poem happens to the poet, who with luck, skill and application, may be able to express it and write it down. Rather than the poet having an idea, it is a question of the Idea possessing the poet.
— Gareth Knight "The Magical World of the Inklings"