The Manchester U.K. opera/puppetry collective, Lights on Theatre, will present “Illuminating Orpheus” on Nov. 11, 2023, at the Anthony Burgess Foundation.

“Light on Le Bestiaire” combines Louis Durey’s setting of Apollinare’s 30 Animal Poems with shadow puppetry, bringing the setting’s original woodcut illustrations to life.

Six singers have dual roles as vocalists and puppeteers, using Spark Sanders Robinson’s laser-cut shadow puppets to explore themes of identity and our environment. The show is written by Samuel Herriman and produced by Sarah Ampil, who is also creative consultant on the production.

Lasting 45 minutes, the musical theater experience is ideal for fans of opera, theater, visual art, and cinema.

“We combine opera and art song with modern shadow puppetry to create theatre that welcomes all audiences. Our work is visually familiar, transportable and low cost with an emphasis on quality and artistic integrity,” stated Robinson in an email to OperaWire.