At the Barbican London, the new opera 'Our Eyes Are on God', directed by TD Moyo and composed by Renell Shaw, uniquely narrates the story of two cousins. This work, written with the libretto by April Koyejo-Audiger, explores the experience of Black Britons and their deep emotions.
Tragedy and Remembrance
The story revolves around Adjani and Kamal, two cousins. Adjani's decision to leave Liverpool and go to London turns the last night into a memory, celebration, and farewell. However, this night ultimately ends in a violent tragedy. 'There is no ocean to hold the tears of these Black boys,' a youth sings in this work, but is there a genre that can encompass these intense emotions?
This opera is the product of Moyo's personal grief for his brother who was murdered in London, and the global outrage following George Floyd's death. Moyo intertwines these two themes, transforming them into a profound and impactful story. In this opera, the characters are not only living, but one might say they could be dead before the story begins.
Baroque Emotions and Strong Narrative
'Our Eyes Are on God', as an operatic work, can naturally contain strong emotions and passionate stories. With music and lyrics that are highly evocative, this opera offers audiences a chance to engage with the bitter yet beautiful realities of Black British life. Although this story is bitter, its artistic forms provoke thought and deeply engage with human emotions.
