In the heart of London's Barbican, the new opera 'Our Eyes Are Towards God' has been born through the collaboration of TD Moyo and Renell Shaw. This work, with a libretto by April Koyejo-Audiger, narrates a tragic story of two cousins named Adjani and Kamal. Adjani, who decides to leave Liverpool and go to London, spends his last memorable night with Kamal; a night filled with memories, celebrations, farewells, and painful tragedies.
Deep Emotions and Bitter Experiences
In this opera, music and text are uniquely combined to depict deep and baroque emotions. 'No ocean is big enough to hold the tears of these Black boys'; this is a line heard in one of the songs that well expresses the depth of emotions present in this story.
This work is somewhat born from Moyo's personal grief over his brother, who was murdered in London, as well as the global anger stemming from the death of George Floyd. Moyo uses these bitter experiences to portray the story of Adjani and Kamal; a story that may see them no longer alive before the performance begins.
A Unique Artistic Experience
'Our Eyes Are Towards God' is not just an opera, but a unique artistic experience that seeks to delve into the depths of the experiences of British Black people. By placing this story in the form of an opera, Moyo and Shaw demonstrate that this genre can provide a space for expressing complex emotions and stories. This work beautifully illustrates how art can possess a profound power in the face of bitter and painful realities, transforming human emotions into a universal language.
