What is the opera "Last Days" about?

"Last Days" is an opera based on Gus Van Sant's film, focusing on the troubled alter ego of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, exploring his imagined final days.

Where is the opera "Last Days" being performed?

The opera "Last Days" is currently being performed at the Royal Opera's Linbury theatre in London.

How does the opera "Last Days" use sound?

The opera "Last Days" uses innovative sound design, blurring reality with elements like sirens, fireworks, and snores integrated into the musical score.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Disturbing Echoes of Cobain Haunt Linbury Theatre Opera

Disturbing Echoes of Cobain Haunt Linbury Theatre Opera

8 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Opera's protagonist is Kurt Cobain's troubled alter ego.
Score blurs reality with sounds like sirens and fireworks.
Production challenges audience's grip on reality.

Disturbing Echoes of Cobain Haunt Linbury Theatre Opera

The Linbury Theatre presents "Last Days," an opera that delves into the troubled psyche of an alter ego unmistakably inspired by Nirvana's Kurt Cobain. The protagonist, Blake, is depicted in a state of collapse, constantly hounded by various figures, including fans, Jehovah's Witnesses, and even a private investigator, all rendered through Oliver Leith's disquieting score.

The operatic score transforms the depiction of a person undone into something truly disturbing. Leith masterfully manipulates sound, blending the mundane with the surreal. Elements like distant sirens, fireworks, and even snores are woven into the music, creating an immersive and disorienting experience that challenges the audience's grasp on reality.

This revival, based on Gus Van Sant's film, is lauded for its excellent vocal performances and slick production. The innovative use of timbre and sonic illusions in "Last Days" creates chilling moments, making the audience question what is real alongside Blake's unraveling mind.