A LOST opera about a man who becomes the plaything of the Ancient Greek gods is being performed at The Black-E this week.

Dardanus Controlled is 18th century French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau’s second version of the myth and has never been produced in modern times.

The Liverpool-based European Opera Centre commissioned a new edition of the work from the French musicologist Dr Gilles Rico using 18th-century manuscripts and other printed sources.

Kenneth Baird, European Opera Centre’s managing director, said: “I am delighted we have persuaded the eminent French theatre director Bernard Rozet to return to Liverpool after his successful production with us and the RLPO in 2008.

“He updates Rameau’s masterpiece to highlight the dramatic strength of what was, in effect, one of the first great operas of modern times.”

Dardanus Controlled received its world premiere in Limerick last week and the Liverpool dates will be the first time the new version has been heard in the UK. A cast of young European singers from Belgium, France, Greece, Lithuania and Poland join young period instrument players.

DARDANUS Controlled is at The Black-E tonight, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Details from 0151 709 3789.