By “made” we mean Simen provided the concept and foundation that composer Rolf Wallin and british playwright Mark Ravenhill transformed into the opera Elysium expertly realized by musical director Baldur Brönniman, director David Poutney, set designer Leslie Travers and the awesome soloists, chorus and production team at The Norwegian National Opera.

It just finished its initial run in Oslo and was branded “a triumph” by Shirley Apthorp of the Financial Times, and “built on a strong concept” and “a living, well considered work” by Hild Borchgrevink of Dagsavisen.

Rolf Wallin and Simen Svale Skogsrud at the Opera. Photo: Jimmy Linus/D2

In the opera, the bulk of humanity has evolved themselves into immortal trans-human beings with a super-human empathy and communication abilities. A small group of holdouts are preserved on an island sanctuary as a memento of the transhuman origins. The opera explores the drama of profound change and poses the question: Is it more important to preserve or evolve humanity?

Elysium will become available for streaming via The Opera Platform – date unknown.

Stage photos: Erik Berg / DNO&B