Émilie du Châtelet was a pioneering physicist, one of the most talented scientists of the 18th century and also a woman of strong emotions. At the moment in which she is depicted in this captivating monodrama, she is pregnant with her lover's child. Émilie, an exceptional woman facing conflicting expectations, will be played by the wonderful Camilla Nylund.
The sensitive music of Kaija Saariaho lends added depth to Émilie's musings on her relationship with Voltaire, with her lover, with science and with her as yet unborn child. She fears that childbirth will be the death of her. She does not have much time, but she needs to finish her magnum opus. "To the last I will hold the pen in my hand, my head held high, my heart full of love, my spirit in the stars."
Cast and Creative team for Émilie at Finnish National Opera
Conductor André de Ridder Director Marianne Weems Sets Neal Wilkinson Costumes Claudia Stephens Lighting design Allen Hahn Sound design Dan Dobson Video design Austin Switser Émilie Camilla Nylund