Noye's Fludde

Noye's Fludde is a one-act opera by the British composer Benjamin Britten.

Original text

This community opera is based on the biblical story of Noah and the Ark. Noye hears the voice of God warning of the coming floods, and creates an ark to save his family and a vast array of animals .

The Chester Miracle Play set to music by Britten, for adults' and children's voices, children's chorus, chamber ensemble and children's orchestra. First performed at Orford Church, Aldeburgh Festival in 1958.

Translations and adaptations

Unogumbe (2013) is a film adaptation by Mark Dornford-May and the Isango Ensemble. The opera follows the plot of Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde opera closely but moves the action from medieval England to present-day South Africa, where the background and poverty of the township is a striking metaphor for man’s inhumanity to man. Sung in Xhosa, with subtitles in medieval English, it is completely re-scored for African instruments. The opera is a tale for children; however the threat of global warming and its consequences make the flood seem a closer reality.