Least Like the Other

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 decision made by her father. Immediately following the procedure, her condition worsened and she was institutionalized for the rest of her life. The libretto 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 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 Naomi Louisa O'Connell, 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. The Guardian praised singer Amy Ní Fhearraigh, saying that her voice "gleamed" in her performance as Rosemary. == References ==