Kip Williams | In the Studio

Director Kip Williams made headlines for his groundbreaking one-woman adaptations of The Picture of Dorian Gray (2024) and Dracula (2026), in which Sarah Snook and Cynthia Erivo played all the characters.

Angel’s Bone presents a different kind of challenge. The opera – by contemporary composer Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek – is an uncompromising tale of modern slavery and human trafficking. How do you translate such frighteningly difficult subject matter to the stage?

In rehearsals with the English National Opera, Kip Williams talks about why Angel's Bone speaks to our current moment as well as his approach to directing both theatre and opera. Plus, designer Marg Horwell – Kip’s long-term collaborator – reflects on the influence of horror films and true crime documentaries.

Angel's Bone premieres at Aviva Studios from 12 to 16 May 2026, marking the English National Opera's first production in Manchester, before moving to the London Coliseum. Find out more and book tickets here.