Least Like the Other

Last updated
Least Like the Other
Opera by Brian Irvine and Netia Jones
Based onThe life of Rosemary Kennedy
Premiere
2019
Black Box Theatre, Galway

Least Like the Other, also billed as Least Like the Other, Searching For Rosemary Kennedy is an English-language opera in one act, created by Brian Irvine and Netia Jones. The opera tells the story of Rosemary Kennedy, eldest daughter of Joe and Rose Kennedy, younger sister of John F. Kennedy, using heavily redacted materials from the archives, and only recently pieced together by biographers and academics.

Contents

Background

Rosemary Kennedy, the younger sister of US President John F. Kennedy, was left with learning difficulties after birth complications. In 1941, aged 23, she underwent a lobotomy, a decision made by her father. Immediately following the procedure, her condition worsened and she was institutionalized for the rest of her life. [1]

The libretto of the opera was not written as such, but was assembled from contemporary material including intelligence tests, speeches, family interviews and books. Video projections are used during the opera, described by The Irish Times as 'compelling'. [2] The title of the opera is taken from a question asked of Rosemary during the opera as part of an intelligence test. A projection is put before Rosemary, and a doctor asks: "Which of these is least like the other?" The projection shows three dogs and a cat. [3]

Performance history and cast

The opera requires only one singer, who plays the role of Rosemary as well as other small female roles. At the opera's premiere in 2019 at the Black Box Theatre, the singing role was performed by mezzo-soprano Naomi Louisa O'Connell, [2] and in the 2023 Royal Opera House production by Amy Ní Fhearraigh. The Royal Opera House's production took place in the Linbury Studio Theatre in London. [4] Apart from the single singer, the other roles are performed by actors who speak, but do not sing: actor/dancer Stephanie Dufresne, actor Ronan Leahy and voice-over artist Aoife Spillane-Hinks. Both performances were directed by Netia Jones and conducted by Fergus Sheil. Both performances were by the Irish National Opera. [3]

Cast

Creative team

Reception

2019 production

In a five-star review, The Irish Times called the opera "deeply disturbing art", but also said that the production was evidence that opera in Ireland can be for everyone. [2]

2023 production

The Financial Times , in a review of the 2023 production, stated that the "actors struggled to get the text across", noting that "The surtitles are not a luxury. Without them, the opera would be sunk". However the same review called the Irish National Opera's production "first-class", and said that "Musical standards under conductor Fergus Sheil are high". [5]

The Guardian praised singer Amy Ní Fhearraigh, saying that her voice "gleamed" in her performance as Rosemary. [3]

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References

  1. ↑ O'Dowd, Niall. "Rosemary Kennedy: the sad life of President Kennedy's younger sister". Irish Central. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Dungan, Michael. "Least Like the Other – Searching for Rosemary Kennedy". The Irish Times . Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 Jeal, Erica. "Least Like the Other review – the horror story of Rosemary Kennedy's life". The Guardian . Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  4. ↑ "Least Like the Other, Searching for Rosemary Kennedy". Royal Opera House . Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  5. ↑ Fairman, Richard. "Least Like the Other, Linbury Theatre review – new opera tackles the forgotten Kennedy sister". Financial Times . Retrieved 19 January 2023.
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