Politics of the Imagination – Lyrebird Productions

“consistently enjoyable and interesting. And it sounds fresher than most contemporary classical music these days does.” Journal of Music

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“all the potential to be realised as a full theatrical Hamilton-style British success. A hugely memorable piece.” 5-stars The Morning Star

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“shifting from Stockhausen into Prodigy territory. Now that’s a generational shift… on the cutting edge of musical creativity and politically charged contemporary relevance.” Opera Journal

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“A vivid aural experience… political commentary and sheer playfulness combine with a serious purpose.” Planet Hugill

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“Genuinely inspiring… full of wonder, excitement, sharing of knowledge and discussion of ideas. Something to be very proud of!”
Audience Member – Imagine! Belfast Festival

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“Class!”
“I was blown away by this event.”
Audience Members – Imagine! Belfast Festival

Politics of the Imagination is a cross-genre work of hip-hop and contemporary classical styles. Written by Northern Irish composer Anselm McDonnell in collaboration with Birmingham rap artists Joel the Custodian, Kosyne, and Barrowclough, and commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra, Politics of the Imagination explores the concepts of utopia, political dogmatism, and bitterly opposed worldviews. It asks the question: how can imagination and playfulness inform our approach to political problems? And what is the key to utopia? Premiered at LSO St. Luke’s in March 2024, Lyrebird partnered with the Imagine! Belfast Festival to bring the production to Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre in March 2025.

In the rural constituency of Nether Whitacre, one local politician believes he has all the answers to the post-Brexit, post-pandemic economic slump his town is facing: a government investment in his wife’s tech company to create jobs and level up the area. After grappling with several journalists at a press conference over the issue, he is accosted by an activist (and old schoolmate) as he enters the elevator. Their bickering is observed by an enigmatic lift attendant, who knows that not everything is as it seems in this particular elevator…