047: Movement and Creativity in Opera with Anna Morrissey
"You are doing all the same script analysis, textual analysis that you would do on a play. So, you'd be thinking about events, circumstances, character biographies, character journeys, relationships, all of that."
ANNA MORRISSEY
In this episode of the Shapes in Motion Podcast, Sarah Perry is joined by director, movement director, choreographer and intimacy coordinator Anna Morrissey to explore the creative world of opera. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience with the Royal Opera House and leading theatre companies, Anna shares how movement, music, design and performance come together to create powerful storytelling on stage.
Together they discuss the unique role of the movement director in opera, balancing tradition with contemporary approaches, working closely with singers, directors and designers, and reimagining classic works for modern audiences. Anna also reflects on her career across opera, theatre and film, offering valuable insights into creative leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and the evolving craft of performance-making.
Whether you're a performer, director, movement practitioner, designer, musician or opera enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the performing arts' most richly collaborative art forms.
Chapters
Introduction to Anna Morrissey's multifaceted career
Anna’s early experiences at North Westminster Community School
The influence of performing arts training during school years
Transition from performance to direction and movement work
Exploring the pathway from university studies to movement direction
How collaboration on plays and dance shaped her movement approach
Anna’s entry into opera and her ongoing partnership with Oliver Mears
The differences in rehearsal processes between theatre and opera
The significance of pre-visualization and collaboration with designers
Challenges and unique aspects of working with opera singers
Interpreting musical scores versus scripts and the art of storytelling in opera
The parallels between Shakespearean acting and operatic singing
The role of music structure in influencing staging and performance interpretation
Creative use of alternate music and sound to influence performance energy
Learning music without formal training: intuition and experience
Reimagining classics within the constraints of opera’s production costs
The potential for opera to evolve with contemporary, multi-disciplinary approaches
Key industry challenges including artist remuneration and industry sustainability
The future of opera’s multidisciplinary nature and innovative storytelling
Final thoughts, recommendations for opera newcomers, and how to connect with Anna
Links
To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.