Damon Albarn has spoken about the role he will play in his new opera ‘Doctor Dee’.
Damon Albarn seems to like a challenge. The songwriter helped to produce ‘Monkey’ in 2009 – a highly ambitious opera which was launched to widespread acclaim. Now the Blur lynchpin has outlined plans for a new stage project.
‘Doctor Dee’ was first mooted last year, and initially boasted the involvement of Alan Moore. However the comic book icon departed, leaving Damon Albarn to focus on the new opera himself.
The opera is based on the life of John Dee, a figure from the 16th century. Travelling widely at a time when Britain was regarded as being quite backward, the forward thinking Dee gathered as much knowledge as he could.
Amassing one of the biggest libraries in the country, John Dee was renowned for his scientific abilities. Helping to introduce new technology to the English navy, Dee was also drawn to the occult.
Using crystals to communicate with angels, John Dee was also the court astrologer for Queen Elizabeth. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Damon Albarn enthused about the new project.
“I’ve got a really strange emotional connection – it really gets to me, that haunted, magical England. It’s something that really stirs me in an irrational way.”
Continuing, Damon Albarn bemoaned the fact that John Dee had been whitewashed out of history” before adding: “It’s just amazing how much colour there is in his ideas. Just imagine the English now if we had kept that spirit in our hearts.”
The singer also confirmed that he would be involved in the stage show, but denied that he would be appearing in period dress. “I’m myself. I’m not walking around in a ruff and tights.”
‘Doctor Dee’ is a part of the Manchester International Festival and will take place at the city’s Palace Theatre. The show runs from July 1st – 2nd, then from July 5th – 9th.