Sigourney Weaver to narrate L.A. Phil’s ‘War of the Worlds’; two performances added
Actress Sigourney Weaver has signed on to narrate the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s world premiere next month of Annie Gosfield’s opera “War of the Worlds,” with adapted text and direction by 2017 MacArthur fellow Yuval Sharon.
“War of the Worlds” uses Orson Welles’ famous 1938 fake news broadcast about aliens invading Earth to examine the often-flawed dissemination of information in modern times. The show will be heard not only inside Walt Disney Concert Hall but also outside it, via three revamped World War II air raid sirens. Sounds, songs and news bulletins from performers on the streets will be broadcast inside the hall.
“I love this idea that the street and the hall are in dialogue with each other — that we’re not on Bunker Hill removed from everyday life,” Sharon, who holds the title artist-collaborator with the L.A. Phil, said during a recent interview.
Two bonus performances were added to the original show date of Nov. 12. Those added shows will take place on Nov. 18.
“As our current political and social situation becomes so dire and alarming, this piece feels like it’s speaking to these issues in a way that, for me, feels quite electrifying,” Sharon said.
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