''Least Like the Other'', also billed as ''Least Like the Other, Searching For Rosemary Kennedy'' is an English-language opera in one act, created by Brian Irvine and Netia Jones. The opera tells the story of

Rosemary Kennedy Rose Marie "Rosemary" Kennedy (September 13, 1918 – January 7, 2005) was the eldest daughter born to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. She was a sister of President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert F. and Ted Kennedy. ...

, eldest daughter of Joe and

Rose Kennedy Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy (July 22, 1890 – January 22, 1995) was an American philanthropist, socialite, and matriarch of the Kennedy family. She was deeply embedded in the " lace curtain" Irish-American community in Boston. Her fathe ...

, younger sister of

John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), also known as JFK, was the 35th president of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He was the first Roman Catholic and youngest person elected p ...

, using heavily redacted materials from the archives, and only recently pieced together by biographers and academics.

Background

Rosemary Kennedy, the younger sister of US President John F. Kennedy, was left with learning difficulties after birth complications. In 1941, aged 23, she underwent a

lobotomy A lobotomy () or leucotomy is a discredited form of Neurosurgery, neurosurgical treatment for mental disorder, psychiatric disorder or neurological disorder (e.g. epilepsy, Depression in childhood and adolescence, depression) that involves sev ...

, a decision made by her father. Immediately following the procedure, her condition worsened and she was institutionalized for the rest of her life. The

libretto A libretto (From the Italian word , ) is the text used in, or intended for, an extended musical work such as an opera, operetta, masque, oratorio, cantata or Musical theatre, musical. The term ''libretto'' is also sometimes used to refer to th ...

of the opera was not written as such, but was assembled from contemporary material including intelligence tests, speeches, family interviews and books. Video projections are used during the opera, described by ''

The Irish Times ''The Irish Times'' is an Irish daily broadsheet newspaper and online digital publication. It was launched on 29 March 1859. The editor is Ruadhán Mac Cormaic. It is published every day except Sundays. ''The Irish Times'' is Ireland's leading n ...

'' as 'compelling'. The title of the opera is taken from a question asked of Rosemary during the opera as part of an intelligence test. A projection is put before Rosemary, and a doctor asks: "Which of these is least like the other?" The projection shows three dogs and a cat.

Performance history and cast

The opera requires only one singer, who plays the role of Rosemary as well as other small female roles. At the opera's premiere in 2019 at the Black Box Theatre, the singing role was performed by

mezzo-soprano A mezzo-soprano (, ), or mezzo ( ), is a type of classical music, classical female singing human voice, voice whose vocal range lies between the soprano and the contralto voice types. The mezzo-soprano's vocal range usually extends from the A bel ...

Naomi Louisa O'Connell, and in the 2023

Royal Opera House The Royal Opera House (ROH) is a theatre in Covent Garden, central London. The building is often referred to as simply Covent Garden, after a previous use of the site. The ROH is the main home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orch ...

production by Amy Ní Fhearraigh. The Royal Opera House's production took place in the

Linbury Studio Theatre The Royal Opera House (ROH) is a theatre in Covent Garden, central London. The building is often referred to as simply Covent Garden, after a previous use of the site. The ROH is the main home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orch ...

in London. Apart from the single singer, the other roles are performed by actors who speak, but do not sing: actor/dancer Stephanie Dufresne, actor Ronan Leahy and voice-over artist Aoife Spillane-Hinks. Both performances were directed by Netia Jones and conducted by Fergus Sheil. Both performances were by the Irish National Opera. Cast * Singer: Naomi Louisa O'Connell (2019 & 2021) / Amy Ní Fhearraigh (2021 & 2023) * Actor: Stephanie Dufresne * Actor: Ronan Leahy * Voice-over artist: Aoife Spillane-Hinks Creative team * Composer: Brian Irvine * Director / designer / video designer: Netia Jones * Conductor: Fergus Sheil * Lighting designer: Sinéad Wallace * Sound designer: David Sheppard * Choreographer: Muirne Bloomer * Assistant director: Aoife Spillane-Hinks * Irish National Opera Orchestra

Reception

2019 production

In a five-star review, ''The Irish Times'' called the opera "deeply disturbing art", but also said that the production was evidence that opera in Ireland can be for everyone.

2023 production

The ''

Financial Times The ''Financial Times'' (''FT'') is a British daily newspaper printed in broadsheet and also published digitally that focuses on business and economic Current affairs (news format), current affairs. Based in London, the paper is owned by a Jap ...

'', in a review of the 2023 production, stated that the "actors struggled to get the text across", noting that "The surtitles are not a luxury. Without them, the opera would be sunk". However the same review called the Irish National Opera's production "first-class", and said that "Musical standards under conductor Fergus Sheil are high". ''

The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...

'' praised singer Amy Ní Fhearraigh, saying that her voice "gleamed" in her performance as Rosemary. ''Least Like The Other'' received an

Ivor Novello Award The Ivor Novello Awards, named after the Welsh entertainer Ivor Novello, are awards for songwriting and Musical composition, composing. They have been presented annually in London by the The Ivors Academy, Ivors Academy, formerly called the Britis ...

nomination for Best Stage Work at The Ivors Classical Awards 2023.

References

{{Authority control 2019 operas English-language operas Operas based on real people Operas