EVA SOMMESTAD HOLTEN

Eva Sommestad Holten, (b. 1957) is a Swedish librettist and set designer, since 1990 living in Copenhagen

Her scenographic work spans set design, costumes, dramaturgy and often light design for drama, musical and opera  - more than 50 productions.

Her work as librettist is highly indebted to this deep insight in performance practice, and her work list includes several large scale opera productions - Maria Paradis 1999, The Emperor's New Clothes 2005, Gesualdo · Shadows 2014 and 2016 (+ Dvd), Kjetil the Dragon 2015, and at the Royal Opera The Visit of The Royal Physician 2009 (+ Dvd), awarded with

the Reumert Prize and revived 2011.

Currently finalizing the project Schlagt sie tot!, a grand scale opera focusing on Luther and the reformation as a period of radicalisation and political change, mirroring today.

Her writing is characterized by the focus on flow and dramatic possibilities, fusing several levels of meaning. With a broad interest in history and society, she has also in several of her libretti shown her ability to make historical facts and outlooks fuse with and shed light

on the drama itself. She writes in Swedish, Danish as well as English.