Elsewhere is a new opera by Michael Gallen based on the story of the world’s first Soviet commune outside the USSR, which existed for eleven days in the lunatic asylum of Monaghan town in Ireland in 1919. In a bid to win more humane working conditions, the staff of Monaghan Asylum barricaded the gates and declared their independence, revolutionising asylum care in the process. In a colourful and groundbreaking new opera, historical events unfold through the visions of a patient named Celine, who despite the passage of time remains “locked in” to the moment of the Soviet.

The opera co-written by Michael Gallen with poet Annemarie Ní Churreain and playwright Dylan Coburn Gray will be directed by Tom Creed and features a cast of leading young opera singers and Paris-based ensemble Miroirs Étendus, conducted by Fiona Monbet.

In May 2021, the composer, director and musicians will gather at the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris for the first rehearsal period of the score and in November the full company will head for Gallen’s home town of Castleblayney to rehearse for the world premiere which will be take place at the Abbey Theatre. 

Elsewhere’s development is funded by Arts Council Ireland and Creative Monaghan with support from the Centre Culturel Irlandais,Paris and the Institut Français.

Produced by Straymaker in association with the Abbey Theatre , Miroirs Étendus and Once Off Productions.

More information can be found here

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