Journeying Boys

During World War II, Benjamin Britten finished 'Les Illuminations', his song cycle setting the nineteenth-century French bad-boy poet Arthur Rimbaud. Both words and music have associations with exile – Rimbaud in London, Britten in America.

For his latest music-theatre piece blending song, movement and and drama, pianist and playwright Iain Burnside takes 'Les Illuminations' as his starting point, exploring the contrast between two very different creative personalities, working at key moments in their lives. His new play spans two centuries and three continents.

Iain Burnside: director

Giuseppe Belli: designer

Susannah Henry: costume

Stephen Pelton: movement

(Contains strong language and is suitable for ages 16 and over. Created in association with the Royal College of Music.)