A new sci-fi opera
Nobody knows how this opera ends. Not even the cast.
Fri 6 November 2026 · Manchester · One night only
Book tickets£25, £18 concessions · Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall
A new sci-fi opera
Fri 6 November 2026 · Manchester · One night only
Book tickets£25, £18 concessions · Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall
The story
Nations have drawn their borders tight and wage relentless wars through AI. Amid cutting-edge advancements, two tech giants dominate this high-stakes game: Britain's Commonwealth AI and Japan's Shogun AI.
While Japan has reinstated its medieval traditions, the ambition of powerful feudal lords entwines with the conspiratorial plots of a former British CEO in exile. As he offers the secret codes of Commonwealth AI, the Sato family present an ultimate gift in return.
Inspired by Yotsuya Kaidan, Japan's most famous ghost story, reimagined for our technological age. Performed in two parts, The Covenant and Yurei.
At points in the show your phone becomes part of it. Every choice is anonymous and optional. Nobody is watched; no camera is pointed at the audience.
The system senses the mood of the room and the show responds while it runs. Scenes shift with the hall. Played to a different audience, it would be a different show.
Opera singers and live musicians in a concert hall built for sound, sung in English. Japan's most famous ghost legend, a story of love, ambition and betrayal, reset in a near future ruled by an AI empire.
Watch
What people said
"The beginning of a new operatic form."
British Theatre Guide
"I never thought I could be part of an opera. Now I know I can."
Audience member
"A new experience that unlocked a new path of how we understand opera."
Audience member
"I really enjoyed the playfulness combined with the drama and excellent performances."
Audience member
The cast
Musicians: Alexandra Huang-Kokina, piano · Eleanor Shute, violin · Amy Jolly, cello
The night
Friday 6 November 2026. Doors 18:30. Pre-concert talk 19:00 (optional, about 25 minutes). Opera 19:30, no interval, ends about 21:30.
Cosmo Rodewald Concert Hall, Martin Harris Centre, Bridgeford Street, Manchester M13 9PL. On the University of Manchester campus, off Oxford Road. Map
£25, £18 concessions. Unreserved seating. Sold by Quaytickets for the Martin Harris Centre.
Sung in English.
You use your own phone at points during the show. It is optional and anonymous, and no cameras are pointed at the audience.
Age guidance 12+. Dark themes and scenes some may find unsettling, loud amplified sound, projected light effects. Detailed content information before booking: info@operactive.co.uk.