A d&b Soundscape was recently deployed to ensure that the show would go on for the Irish National Opera’s production of Least Like the Other, which originally had plans to tour the show around Ireland in August 2020. The pandemic threatened to halt the production and performances, so the team turned to d&b for an immersive solution.
Least Like the Other, Searching for Rosemary Kennedy is a thought-provoking work of experimental music theatre created by Brian Irvine and Netia Jones. The show traces events in the life of Rosemary, eldest daughter of Joe and Rose Kennedy, sister of JFK, using redacted archive materials only recently pieced together.
The show’s original operatic production featured 15 live musicians including a string quartet, keyboards, wind, brass and an improvisational ensemble.
In March of 2020, with growing concerns about Covid-19, the show’s production team realised that they would not be able go ahead as originally planned and like many around the world, they were forced to think of alternative ways to bring this show to audiences.
“It was critical for us to continue with the production in some capacity,” said Gavin O’Sullivan, head of production, Irish National Opera. “We had been working on the show for months and at a time when the entire industry is being threatened, we wanted to continue to employ our hard-working team and find a way to share this spectacular show.”