A powerful story of courage and survival in the face of repression, The Handmaid’s Tale opera is based on Margaret Atwood’s major novel of the same name.

Poul Ruders’ opera features a score that draws on medieval chants and gospel music. Together with a minimalist libretto by Paul Bentley, this production captures the dissonant brutality of the Republic of Gilead.

Women have been entirely stripped of their freedom and rights in Gilead. Fertile women, Handmaids, are forced to reproduce with Commanders of the Republic. Terror is a daily reality for Handmaid Offred. She defies the regime, refusing to surrender her identity and independence.

Directed by Annilese Miskimmon, the ENO’s Artistic Director, and conducted by Joana Carneiro, the ENO’s production of The Handmaid’s Tale has an exceptional cast – including mezzo-sopranos Kate Lindsey (Offred) and Susan Bickley (Offred’s mother), alongside soprano Rachel Nicholls (Aunt Lydia), contralto Avery Amereau (Serena Joy), and ENO Harewood Artist John Findon (Luke).

This thought-provoking work, revived after a successful run in 2022, asks questions around state power and the fragility of freedom.