LAUGHING OUT LONELY(LOL)
by OPE-N
Where: Summerhall – Dissection Room
When: 13.15 + 14.15 | 19 – 31 August
Duration: 45 mins
Event Warnings: Strobe lighting, distressing themes, strong language Participation
One person, a million voices
Laughing Out Lonely (LOL) is a powerful portrait of contemporary loneliness. With English lyrics drawn from real social media posts, it transforms digital voices into a live, immersive experience. Acclaimed countertenor Morten Grove Frandsen delivers a tour-de-force performance in Louise Beck’s staging, where the audience becomes part of a theatrical echo chamber. Direct, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant, LOL pushes the boundaries of opera and speaks to audiences of all ages.
Produced by the innovative Danish company OPE-N, the work blends opera and physical theatre to reach new audiences. Premiering in 2023 to rave reviews, LOL toured Denmark to full houses and continues internationally in 2026. Its flexible, mobile staging allows it to adapt to a wide range of venues and audiences.
“Presented as part of the high-profile festival Mois Multi, LOL – Laughing Out Lonely is a sublime, violent, sometimes grotesque – but always captivating – opera, that forces us to look in the face of the ugliness, that easily germinates on the Internet, but foremost in humans.”
Monsaintroch, Quebec, Canada
“LOL is a furiously beautiful and in-your-face experience! And it is so cool to shake up the traditional narratives of the opera genre and instead get the rawness of reality kicked into the art form.”
ISCENE, Denmark
“The solo performance shows the impressive vocal level of Morten Grove Frandsen. Not only does he sing superbly in falsetto, but he is also able to croon and use his voice in other impressive ways.”
Politiken
“The man with the many voices, faces and expressions is the wonderful countertenor Morten Grove Frandsen.”
Magasinet KBH
“Mailde Böcher’s frictionless tonality combined with Asger Kudahls floating sound production became in Louise Becks’ skilled staging, and Morten Grove Frandsens’ total dedication, a tender, beautiful and moving piece full of dynamic energy.”
Seismograf
CREDITS
Based in Copenhagen, OPE-N is an award-winning company with 25 years of experience creating bold, contemporary opera. Known for site-specific and socially engaged works, they collaborate internationally and tour productions across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia.