Opera Theatre Program to perform 'experimental' operas in SAC

For this spring’s annual production, the Opera Theatre Program and the University Orchestra are offering viewers a double-header–two distinctly different operatic experiences–for the price of one.  

They are performing two one-act operas: "Dido and Aeneas" by Henry Purcell and "The Telephone" by Gian Carlo Menotti at 8 p.m. April 10 and 11 in the all purpose room of the Student Activities Center.

The Telephone is a comedy written in 1946-47 and is contemporary in subject matter and musical style. The one-act story revolves around the main character’s attempt to pry his lover’s attention from her phone conversations long enough to propose.

Dido and Aeneas was written 1688 and is considered one of the earliest operas. The story is based on Book IV of Virgil's “Aeneid” and recounts the love of Dido, Queen of Carthage, for the Trojan hero Aeneas, and her despair when he abandons her. A monumental work in Baroque opera, Dido and Aeneas is remembered as one of Purcell's foremost theatrical works and his only true opera. 

This year marks the first time the Opera Theatre Program has performed in the SAC, a feat made possible by the remodeled building’s enhanced lighting and sound.

“We are doing this opera with masks and very interactively with the audience. That’s why the SAC is good ... because we can get out actually in the audience for parts of this production. We are also ‘live capturing’ the action and projecting it on the screens in that room since it all was redone and the technical qualities now exist for that to happen. It is what most people would call experimental," said Michael Ramach, co-director of the Opera Theatre Program.  

Patrons may enjoy a cash-only bar and popcorn.

“This should be a really fun evening,” Ramach said.

Call 502-852-6907 to reserve tickets, which are $20 for adults, $10 for students and free for UofL students, staff and faculty.