Orlando Descends

devised by the company
directed by Anna-Helena McLean
ACT International

"The future for a young girl calledNin with a burning desire to make theatre. The future for a voice teacher Orlawho is unable to live her dream and the future of a film star, Nwanda, findingher voice after generations of being silenced. One story links onto anotheruntil all voices appear to coexist in a moment of shared connection as theidentity choir is born. Through A Voice Lesson, a shared sense of wonder isfound. Conducted by Neti (the gatekeeper of the underworld) I would like ourevent to show the palpable beauty of life and a way of being that demands us tolisten... listen deep and listen in." - Anna-Helena McLean,Director of ACT International and Moonfool Ensemble, 2023

The multimedia performance culminates with an interactive sound-art installation opening up the magical inner workings of the creative process for everyone to try for themselves.

For more info click here: MOONFOOL - Home

Book TicketsInfo for Theatres
The Cast

About

A split-stage, immersive opera updating Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando' through a contemporary lens, as well as a 3500 year old poem by a woman of colour called "The Descent of Inanna." With a new libretto by Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh, brought to life by 5 actor-musicians this poetic feast explores the interconnectedness between planes of “Difference” exposed through new ways of listening.

Neil McEwan

"If this is what comes from flying too close to the sun,

then long may they continue"

Marketing information

Neil McEwan

"If this is what comes from flying too close to the sun,

then long may they continue"

Venues click here

Cast: Sandeep Gurrapadi, Mina Hata, Anna-Helena McLean, Erin Nicole Washington

Director: Anna-Helena McLean

Sound Artist: Kendell Foster

Designer: Zahra Mansouri

AI enhanced technology: Dom Harwood

Videographer: Liv Penny

Assistant Director: Raniah Al-Sayed

Consultant: Pembe Tokluhan & EDIA

Voiceturgy & Access Consultant: Yvon Bonenfant

Industry Liaison: Scarlett Stitt

Support Worker: Andrew AC Cooper

Tech & Dramaturgical Consultancy: Lin Coghlan, Bettrys Jones, Nazli Tabatabai-Khatambakhsh

Reviews

Click here to read more reviews

Current Tour Schedule

Gallery

No items found.

What does our Community say?

Read our reviews over 24 productions

Trial of Galileo

RemoteGoat

★★★★★
"Icarus Theatre fly into London on waxen wings, which, after this compelling production, show no sign of melting any time soon, A fine production, and a fantastic example of a writer and performer at the top of their game".

How to be a Bad Girl

Deadline News

★★★★
"Chap's cheeky, witty and bold personality shines through as she sings the stories of her own life, and sometimes others - all with wonderful vocal ability and tone that excites and engages the mixed crowd that packed in to the room to see her."
Lucy Samson

Macbeth

Carrick Biz

★★★★
"Five Stars alone are due to the designers of the simple set and the expressive mood-setting lighting and sound. You'll find out what a bane-moon looks like."
David Kerr

Hamlet

Review Sphere

[Their] adaptation truly had rebranded Hamlet for the Game of Thrones age. It was daring and experimental and often risky, but it worked and proved that it is indeed a living and ever fluid piece of literature"
Caroline Malcolm Boulton

Trial of Galileo

RemoteGoat

"Icarus Theatre fly into London on waxen wings, which, after this compelling production, show no sign of melting any time soon, A fine production, and a fantastic example of a writer and performer at the top of their game".

How to be a Bad Girl

Deadline News

"Chap's cheeky, witty and bold personality shines through as she sings the stories of her own life, and sometimes others - all with wonderful vocal ability and tone that excites and engages the mixed crowd that packed in to the room to see her." Lucy Samson

Macbeth

Carrick Biz

"Five Stars alone are due to the designers of the simple set and the expressive mood-setting lighting and sound. You'll find out what a bane-moon looks like." David Kerr

Hamlet

Review Sphere

Icarus Theatre Collective's adaptation truly had rebranded Hamlet for the Game of Thrones age. It was daring and experimental and often risky, but it worked and proved that it is indeed a living and ever fluid piece of literature." Caroline Malcolm Boulton

Many Roads to Paradise

Uk Theatre Web

★★★★★
"For many reason this play should be seen by everyone. Drama students and theatre-lovers alike will applaud fine acting by the strongest of casts, you would pay a lot of money in the West End for a class act like this"
Gene David Kirk

Journeys End

The Public Reviews

★★★★
"Journey’s End’ is very much an ensemble piece and it would be difficult and probably rather unfair to pick out one actor over another. Each and every performance is consummately delivered." Steve Burbridge

At the Mountains of Madness

Ija Pona

★★★★★
"We were treated to a show that was true to the H. P. Lovecraft original and made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I experienced frisson during last night."

Romeo & Juliet

British Theatre Guide

★★★★
Max Lewendel’s careful direction makes perfect sense of the tricky text, finding as much humour as possible in the early comic scenes. He keeps his actors on the move, each with purpose and justified intention.
Helen Brown

Many Roads to Paradise

Uk Theatre Web

★★★★★
"For many reason this play should be seen by everyone. Drama students and theatre-lovers alike will applaud fine acting by the strongest of casts, you would pay a lot of money in the West End for a class act like this"
Gene David Kirk

Journeys End

The Public Reviews

★★★★
"Journey’s End’ is very much an ensemble piece and it would be difficult and probably rather unfair to pick out one actor over another. Each and every performance is consummately delivered." Steve Burbridge

At the Mountains of Madness

Ija Pona

★★★★★
"We were treated to a show that was true to the H. P. Lovecraft original and made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I experienced frisson during last night."

Romeo & Juliet

British Theatre Guide

★★★★
Max Lewendel’s careful direction makes perfect sense of the tricky text, finding as much humour as possible in the early comic scenes. He keeps his actors on the move, each with purpose and justified intention.
Helen Brown