BAFTA-nominated director brings Hildegard of Bingen to life

A ‘mesmerising’ blend of music and theatre, telling the story of medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen, will tour the UK from 19 to 30 September under the direction of BAFTA-nominated Nicholas Renton, performed by previous Continuo grantees, The Telling.

Vision, written by acclaimed playwright and singer Clare Norburn, explores the extraordinary life and painful and visceral visionary experiences of Hildegard of Bingen through her haunting and distinctive chants. The script draws on historical research but focuses on Hildegard’s inner experiences – from being sent to a convent at the age of eight to her experiences with what she referred to as ‘the Living Light’.

Norburn describes the work as ‘an imagined testimony,’ asking questions about the emotional and physical reality of Hildegard’s visions and the weight of responsibility she bore in an age when women were generally powerless and silent. Her haunting music is brought to life by sopranos Gwendolen Martin and Clemmie Franks, and harpist Jean Kelly, with the role of Hildegard played by a yet-to-be-announced renowned actress.

Vision’s film adaptation, released in 2020 in response to pandemic cancellations, was met with critical acclaim. Selected by the Guardian as one of its online viewing highlights alongside major international festivals, it was praised for being ‘an austerely beautiful piece about a woman whose faith gave her extraordinary strength and courage’.

Vision will be performed by The Telling at venues across the country this September:

19 Sept: Lancaster Priory, Lancaster
20 Sept: St Andrew’s West Parish Church (The Sanctuary), Glasgow
21 Sept: Hallé St Peter’s, Manchester
23 Sept: St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
25 Sept: Malling Abbey, Kent (part of Music@Malling)
27 Sept: St John’s Chapel, Chichester
30 Sept: St Mary's Church, Dorchester (part of Dorchester Arts)

Tickets and full tour details are available on Continuo Connect.