Lydia Steier and Iain Bell's 'MEDUSA' Opera Premieres at La Monnaie

The world premiere of 'MEDUSA', a two-act opera by director Lydia Steier and composer Iain Bell, opened at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels, running until May 19, 2026. The opera reinterprets the Medusa myth, focusing on her humanity and the sexual violence she endures. Steier, who also wrote the libretto, and Bell aim to give voice to the marginalized, exploring themes of rape, victim-blaming, and sorority. The cast includes Claudia Boyle as Medusa, Angela Denoke as Stheno, Paula Murrihy as Euryale, Josh Lovell as Perseus, Konstantin Gorny as Poseidon, Mary Elizabeth Williams as Athena, and Anu Komsi as the High Priestess. The minimalist staging by Flurin Borg Madsen and costumes by Katharina Schlipf shift between a dark cave and a golden temple. Bell's score blends bel canto influences with contemporary vocal techniques, using the orchestra to evoke ancient rituals. The production highlights the ongoing relevance of #MeToo and the need to address sexual violence in society.