Image: Flier for the premiere performance of Bagworm on 29 July 2025
I’m excited to present my solo-performer opera to Manchester audiences this evening. It’s brilliant to have SOLD OUT the premiere, and I’m so grateful to The Talleyrand for hosting our folk horror evening. They are a brilliant independent venue, and really supportive of artists.
Image: Ferns and moss in a lush green woodland (photo by Nina Whiteman)
Bagworm is a multimedia DIY opera experience inspired by the fascinating bagworm (psychidae) moths. Bagworm moth larvae construct a protective and camouflaging bag from items in their environment, such as sand, lichen, sticks, and bits of dead insect. The opera presents a complex Bagworm character, reflecting on threats to our wonderful and idiosyncratic species, such as light pollution and climate change.
The opera allows us to consider the beauty of the natural world through collaged videos I have made whilst out exploring in England, Scotland and Wales. We are also confronted by a technologised performer, using a motion sensor, remote-controlled lighting, and a wearable loudspeaker, who is perhaps at odds with her environment…
Image: Rehearsing Bagworm at HOME Arches (photo Giles Bastow)
Thanks to HOME and their superb technician Olly for use of the Arches spaces yesterday to rehearse and document some moments.
Finally, here are the references for the collaged quoted ‘facts’ about bagworms that can be heard in the opera performance.
