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Event
AOT's The Rape of Lucretia
AOT presents a new production of Benjamin Britten's poignant opera The Rape of Lucretia alongside Community Partners Women's Advocates, Violence Free MN, and Advocates for Human Rights.
The Rape of Lucretia was the first of Brittens chamber operas and is based upon the ancient Roman tragedy of Lucretia. The story unfolds during a time of war when Rome is ruled by an Etruscan King who ascended to power through force. It is in this hostile society that Lucretia's body is used as a tool for political ambition and power.
Tricia VanEe, Female Chorus
Brian Wallin, Male Chorus
Mikalia Bradberry, Lucretia
Alan Dunbar, Tarquinius
Wm Clay Thompson, Collatinus
Sahar Hassan, Bianca
Joel Mathias, Junius
Meagan Seubert, Lucia
Hannah Benditt, Dancer
Andrew Lupinek, Dancer
Directed by Teresa Mock
Produced by Kelly M Turpin
Music Director, Lara Bolton
Choreographer, Jennifer Mack
Intimacy Director, Shae Palic
Assistant Director, Carole Schultz
Pianist, Carson Schneider
Stage Manager, Laini Devin
Samantha Haddow, Costume Designer
Emily Jaques, Set Designer
Joanna McLarnan, Lighting Designer
Friday, March 20, 7:30pm
Saturday, March 21, 7:30pm, ASL Interpreted
Sunday March 22, 4pm
*Audience note: Recommended for ages 16+. This production contains scenes of sexual violence, misogyny, and suicide. There will be a trained response therapist on-site at each performance. Please see synopsis below for more information.
The production will be presented in English with English supertitles.
Run Time is approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission. A brief talk-back with AOT's community partners will take place immediately following the performance.
All tickets are Pay As Able with a suggested contribution of $20.
*NO REFUNDS AVAILABLE. If you need to exchange tickets for another date and seats are still available, please contact Brown Paper Tickets Customer Service at 1-800-838-3006
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
*The Rape of Lucretia contains scenes of sexual violence, misogyny, and suicide. In order to help you best prepare for the opera and what you'll see portrayed in this production, please read the synopsis below. Note that this synopsis contains plot details and events.
Synopsis:
Rome, under rule of an Etruscan king, Tarquinius Superbus, who ascended to power through force, is engaged in war against a Greek invasion. The military is led by the Kings equally corrupt son, Tarquinius Sextus. A Male and Female Chorus respectively offer themselves as the access points into two perspectives on this story.
While drinking in their military camp outside of Rome, the generals: Prince Tarquinius, Collatinus, and Junius discuss the supposed unfaithfulness of the women of Rome, all except the virtuous Lucretia, wife of Collatinus. Later that night, Junius goads Tarquinius into testing Lucretias chastity, then leaves him alone with his restlessness. Tarquinius readies his horse and spurs recklessly toward the city.
Meanwhile, in Rome, Lucretia occupies her mind and longs for Collatinus with her skilled work in weaving. Her household workers: Bianca, her nurse, and Lucia, her maid, assist her. Lucretia has a premonition about a knock at the door. Later, when Tarquinius arrives, they cannot refuse hospitality to the Prince of Rome. That night, Tarquinius enters Lucretias bedroom and awakens Lucretia with a kiss. In her dreamlike state she at first mistakes him for Collatinus, then is horrified to discover Tarquinius. She demands him to leave. Believing she desires him, he does not listen. There is a physical struggle. He forces himself upon her and holds her at knifepoint. He rapes her.
The following morning, Lucia and Bianca make a concerted effort to accentuate the bright morning with the presence of flowers and joyful conversation. Lucretia enters, she is calm, but obviously devastated. She asks Lucia to send a message to Lord Collatinus asking him to come home immediately. Bianca tries to stop the messenger, but it is too late. Collatinus arrives, accompanied by Junius. Collatinus finds Lucretia and they reunite. She tells him what Tarquinius has done to her. He comforts her in his arms, yet it is too late. Lucretia feels she must exercise the only agency she has left. She stabs herself and dies in his arms. All mourn. Junius sees her death as political opportunity.
The Female Chorus is left in despair at the moral emptiness and atrocity of this story. The Male Chorus offers a Christian message as a pathway toward redeeming humanity. The women respond.
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LocationThe Southern Theater (View)
1420 Washington Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 16 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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