Bryars’ intimate, operatic look at Marilyn is steeped in beautiful melancholia.

Australian premiere
ABC Studios, Adelaide
February 27, 2015

A prostrate woman lies beneath a white sheet. Is she dead or merely asleep? While we consider whether this story starts at the end, or somewhere mid-fame, an operatic irregularity presents; double bassist and composer Gavin Bryars takes to the stage to perform. Jazz trio to our left, octet orchestra to our right, and a body on the floor suggests that this is no ordinary opera.

The white cyclorama and minimalist set evoke a sense of simplicity and emptiness; the latter, we will learn, an unwelcome lifelong companion of screen legend Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Forever is her elegiac story and it is beautifully told.

Marilyn Bowering’s libretto poetically reveals much about the star’s emotions, fortunately avoiding an expose of any conspiracy theories surrounding the legend. This is a classy account and Bryars’ empathy inducing creation feels respectful of the star who died in 1962, aged only 36.

Joel Ivany directs an ensemble that works skilfully amongst the filmic setting. Soprano Anne Grimm stars as Marilyn Monroe, appearing in the famous white halter neck dress worn by Monroe in the 1955 film The Seven...