The world of art is filled with ambitious projects that aim to push the boundaries of human creativity and emotion. One such project is “Exoplanets,” a new work co-created with Norwich Theatre Royal, which brings together music, memory, science, and love in a unique and captivating way. The piece is centered around Audrey, a character played by Amanda Hadingue, who shares her life story through an interview with Classic FM. As the narrative unfolds, we are taken on a journey through Audrey’s relationship with her partner Mari, a scientist fascinated by exoplanets, their experiences as foster parents, and Audrey’s composition of the Exoplanets Suite after Mari’s death. With its grand ambitions, “Exoplanets” is a project that reaches for the stars, but in doing so, it sometimes struggles to bring its many ideas into alignment.
At its core, “Exoplanets” is a story about love, loss, and the human experience. Audrey’s relationship with Mari is a beautiful and poignant one, and their journey as foster parents is a testament to the power of love and companionship. However, the narrative is not without its challenges, and the production often feels like it is trying to tackle too many ideas at once. The result is a sense of disjointedness, as if the audience is flicking between different channels, catching fragments of several stories without ever settling into one. For example, the production opens with Audrey teaching children, a touching image that hints at themes of inspiration and legacy. However, the young performers only play a brief role in the narrative, and their absence is felt for the rest of the production. It feels like a beautiful idea that is only partially realized, leaving the audience wondering what could have been.
The staging of “Exoplanets” is also noteworthy, with a large screen dominating the set and intended to visualize Mari’s passion for the stars. However, the swirling animations and static planets often feel more like background noise than a meaningful companion to the music. The design also means that the top row of the orchestra is hidden, an odd distraction in a piece that places music at its heart. Despite these challenges, the production is not without its moments of beauty, and the music is often haunting and evocative. Audrey’s suite carries moments of beauty, but too often the planets begin to blur into one another, dominated by rapid runs and scales rather than distinct characterization. Without variety or drama, the music risks undercutting the very expansiveness it seeks to capture. The composers, including Samatha Fernando, Pauchi Sasaki, and Robin Haigh, have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into the music, but it often feels like it is struggling to find its place in the narrative.
One of the strengths of “Exoplanets” is its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The production is a heartfelt attempt to grapple with grief, memory, and the infinite mysteries of space, and it is clear that the performers are deeply committed to the project. The cast, including Amanda Hadingue and Serena Manteghi, bring a sense of sincerity and dedication to their roles, and their performances are often moving and poignant. However, despite the best efforts of the cast and crew, the production never quite coalesces, leaving an experience that feels more like scattered fragments than a completed constellation. The director, Jack Lowe, has a clear vision for the production, but it often feels like the different elements are not quite working together in harmony. The result is a production that feels ambitious and heartfelt, but ultimately disjointed and unsatisfying.
Despite its challenges, “Exoplanets” is a production that is well worth watching. The music is often beautiful, and the performances are deeply moving. The production is a testament to the power of human creativity and emotion, and it is clear that the cast and crew are deeply committed to the project. The themes of love, loss, and memory are timeless and universal, and the production is a heartfelt attempt to explore these themes in a unique and captivating way. However, the production is not without its flaws, and it often feels like it is trying to tackle too many ideas at once. The result is a sense of disjointedness, as if the audience is flicking between different channels, catching fragments of several stories without ever settling into one. Despite this, “Exoplanets” is a production that is well worth watching, and it is clear that the cast and crew are deeply committed to the project.
In conclusion, “Exoplanets” is a production that is ambitious, heartfelt, and deeply moving. The music is often beautiful, and the performances are deeply poignant. However, the production is not without its challenges, and it often feels like it is trying to tackle too many ideas at once. The result is a sense of disjointedness, as if the audience is flicking between different channels, catching fragments of several stories without ever settling into one. Despite this, “Exoplanets” is a production that is well worth watching, and it is clear that the cast and crew are deeply committed to the project. The production runs until September 7, 2025, and it is a must-see for anyone who is interested in music, science, and the human experience. With its grand ambitions and heartfelt performances, “Exoplanets” is a production that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience, and it is a testament to the power of human creativity and emotion.
