Combining large-scale puppetry and opera is no easy feat. But leave it to Composer, Philip Glass, Director Phelim McDermott (co-founder of Improbable Theatre), and Associate Director/Set Designer Julian Crouch to re-stage the 1980 version of Satyagraha (April 2008 premiere at The Met; 2018 LA Opera) - a production that has toured the world.

“Satyagraha (Sanskrit for “truth force”) is inspired by Gandhi’s early years in South Africa, where he developed his groundbreaking ideas about nonviolent political resistance. A visually stunning presentation—starring fast-rising tenor Sean Panikkar as Gandhi—links past, present and future to illuminate a powerful meditation on the lasting effects of human goodness.” - LA Opera

Satyagraha Opera (LA Opera) 2018 excerpts Click the link for video highlights.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia, produced by the Dutch National Opera is another example of how puppetry can enhance operatic storytelling. The extraordinary vision of bringing new life to opera through the art of puppetry is striking, especially with Julian Crouch (Set/Costume Designer).

Designer, Julian Crouch excerpts Click the link for video highlights.