MAfestival has invited the Compagnie Bischoff from the Netherlands to produce a new music theatre work, based upon The Triumphes of
Oriana dating 1601, and directed by Jan Van Den Bossche. It looks as if the festive season is in full swing on board of HMS Oriana. Around a splendidly dressed table, an exuberant company is eating and drinking. The guests regularly raise their glasses, recite poetry and sing English madrigals, manyvoiced renaissance music emphasizing the merriness of the evening. But where are we exactly? Who are these guests? Who is this presiding royal lady and why are they all singing towards her? And for god's sake, what is going on with the lute held by the waiter? As the dinner continues, the different roles held by members of the party fit into a clearer general picture...