Opera Philadelphia presented four performances of Written on Skin in February in a new production by William Kerley. Lauren Snouffer, Mark Stone, and Anthony Roth Costanzo headed the cast, who were conducted by Corrado Rovaris. This was the sixth original production of the work since its premiere in 2012, and the first to have originated in the USA.
 
‘Perhaps the most significant opera of this century so far… Each scene has its own distinctive orchestral character, like the haunting glass harmonica of the seduction scene and the all-out frenzy of the murder… kaleidoscopic color and precision.’
Wall Street Journal (Heidi Waleson), 12 February 2018
 
‘One of the most extraordinary operas of the 21st century… The piece is a terrific feat of harmony and orchestration.’
Hyperallergic (John Sherer), 15 February 2018
 
‘Mesmerizing and fascinating… This may be his first full-length opera, but there is nothing tentative in his work. Benjamin and Crimp have collaborated seamlessly.’
Broadway World (Richard Sasanow), 13 February 2018
 
‘a contemporary masterpiece’
 
‘Kerley’s vision quickly produces an overwhelming effect that seamlessly couples with Benjamin’s intriguing and surprising score… a contemporary masterpiece.’
Broad Street Review (Cameron Kelsall), 11 February 2018
 
‘Vocally, musically, visually and conceptually, Written on Skin is thrilling.’
phindie (Toby Zinman), 11 February 2018