The story revolves around Semyon Podsekayev, a man struggling with his existence. In an attempt to find meaning in his life, he turns to the tuba – in vain. When he considers ending his life, various characters suddenly appear who seek to exploit his despair for their own purposes. In the second act, his personal crisis transforms into a public spectacle: the reality show The Naked Truth turns his inner struggle into national entertainment. 

The opera was originally commissioned by the Stanislavski-Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater in Moscow but was canceled after the invasion of Ukraine – the work was deemed not patriotic enough. The Dutch Travel Opera proudly presents the world premiere of this bold and contemporary opera.

• direction Sam Brown conductor Adrian Kelly cast Paul Curievici, Jenny Stafford, Richard Burkhard, James Hall, Jane Burnell, Myrna Tennant, Mark Omvlee, Rommie Rochell, Aina Miyagi Magnell et al.  orchestra Phion choir Consensus Vocalis
• language Sung in English, with Dutch and English surtitles
• disclaimer This production features the subject of suicide