Virtual reality opera is a sustainability cautionary tale

An opera with a message about our abused planet will be performed in virtual reality in Riverbank Arts Centre on Tuesday 7 November, writes Brian Byrne.

Out of the Ordinary is just 30 minutes long and will be viewed using virtual reality headsets at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm by small audience groups in a controlled environment.

The presentation was created by the Irish National Opera and was written by composer Finola Merivale and librettist Jody O’Neill working with director Jo Mangan and students from rural Ireland and communities from Inis Meáin, Tallaght and South Dublin.

It tells the tale of a community forced to flee their homeland, made barren by their own actions. Nalva, the main character builds a boat to take her people on an epic journey to find a new home. Daol, a powerful force of nature, furious at being released from the leached soil, churns up the seas and causes a huge storm, plunging the boat underwater. When Nalva and her people eventually resurface, they find themselves at a new and unfamiliar land. Can they make a home here? Will they learn to live in harmony with nature, or will they repeat the mistakes of the past?

Tickets are priced €5 and can be booked through the Box Office, either in person or by telephone on 045 448327 Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm (closed for lunch 2-2.30) and Saturday 10am-1pm. Tickets can also be booked 24/7 on www.riverbank.ie – online tickets subject to €1 booking fee per ticket.

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