© Andrea Voß-Acker

Opera in two acts by Phyllis Tate · Libretto by David Franklin after the novel of the same name by Marie Adelaide Belloc Lowndes · Sung in English with German and English surtitles

“I once thought the world was strong, but that I would be stronger.”

Emma Bunting, an impoverished landlady in Victorian London, takes in a refined lodger who provides financial support to her and her husband George. Gradually it becomes clear that the lodger is not what he seems, and his religious fanaticism points to psychological instability. As the situation grows increasingly tense, Emma is tormented by the question of whether she should report him to the authorities despite his illness—for her lodger is none other than Jack the Ripper.

Phyllis Tate is one of the most important British composers of the second half of the 20th century. With her music she sought to entertain and to bring joy; accordingly, The Lodger offers lighter moments despite its dark subject matter. She works with memorable themes, atmospheric orchestration, and compelling psychological insight.