Music

Damon Albarn starring in new play

by Ciaran Thompson

Damon Albarn’s musical endeavours have not stopped him from completing a new play, which he will star in, about a 16th Century Alchemist John Dee called Doctor Dee.

Directed by Rufus Norris with music composed by Albarn, the play “explores ritual and symbolism in this country, past and present, using John Dee – one of England’s greatest but largely forgotten men – as catalyst.”

Doctor Dee will premier this July at the Manchester International Festival and will then be staged at the home of the English National Opera as part of London’s Cultural Olympiad program.

Details are scarce about what type of role Albarn will play, however this will be his second appearance at the Manchester Festival following his opera entitled Monkey: Journey To The West. [BBC]