Moonstone is an adaptation of the award-winning novel by acclaimed Icelandic author and poet Sjón. The premiere of this dark and poetic novel, hailed as a “simmering masterpiece” and “a work of miniaturist perfection” will take place in 2021, fusing contemporary theatre, dance and original live music by composer Valgeir Sigurdsson.
Set in 1918 at the height of the Spanish Flu pandemic Moonstone is the story of a young gay man, Máni Steinn, who exists on the fringe of a deeply conservative society Máni spends his nights performing sexual favours for older men. He spends his days in the cinema where he is comforted and transported, albeit momentarily, into a world of artistic rebellion of early European cinema.
As the pandemic reaches the shores of Iceland having left millions dead across Europe and as the wholesale carnage of the Great War threatens to encroach upon the relative peace of the island we are transported to a moment in history where the world is on the brink. And we wonder if it might also be a glimpse into the future of our species.
Moonstone is created with funding from The Arts Council of Ireland and is a co-production with Project Arts Centre and Mermaid Arts Centre.
