Okay, let’s transfer to the blokes. Oh, did I say that actor Edmund was a pants position acted by Karina Hilleard. Ms. Hilleard is an completed actress, having appeared with Washington Nationwide Opera and Shakespeare Theatre Firm. She auditioned for the position of Jane, however then was Dr. Lind’s alternative for Edmund after actor Justin Meyer, an SOT veteran, expressed an curiosity in enjoying Adam. Ms. Hilleard carried out effectively and was convincing in her position displaying each curiosity in Jane as a human connection and repulsion from Jane in her disturbing conduct. Their comedic however edgy scenes collectively have been a spotlight. On reflection, I feel having this be a pants position distracts a wee bit from the main target of the play although maybe provides to the absurd comedic ingredient (Word: my spouse vehemently disagrees there was a difficulty in making this a pants position; I attempted to elucidate that…oh, you’ve heard sufficient). Actor/Singer Justin Meyer successfully and confidently performed Adam as a likable teen, then faculty pupil, as a part of Jane’s hallucinations. However finally, we see him in another way as his interactions with Ophelia develop worrisome. A dramatic highpoint was Jane and his try at reconciliation, leading to her admitting her true emotions. Mr. Meyer carried out impressively in a variety of characters in two earlier SOT productions that I’ve seen. Properly executed, all!
Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s Drowning Ophelia entertained and communicated its message affectingly. When the play was over, a brief discuss again with the actor/singers and employees ensued. As I checked out this crew, I felt that I had obtained a present from all concerned.
The Fan Expertise: Performances of Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s Drowning Ophelia have been scheduled for April 4, 5 (2), 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 (2) on the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean. A ‘pay what you’ll’ choice is out there for Friday performances; see this hyperlink for tickets. The efficiency lasted about an hour, and the forged and employees led by Dr. Lind returned after the ultimate applause for an roughly 20-minute attention-grabbing dialogue with attendees that selected to stay. Further info is out there within the on-line program guide. Free parking is out there.
From Dr. Lind’s textual content in this system guide for Drowning Ophelia: With April being Home Abuse Consciousness month, it gave the chance for visibility I hoped to amplify with this play. Abuse doesn’t at all times include a shout, however most frequently with a whisper. It builds imperceptibly over time, and the victims turn out to be conditioned to their abuse just like the proverbial frog within the slowly boiling pot of water. Recovering from such extended trauma causes lifelong distrust of 1’s personal judgement, which is among the most tough psychological hurdles to beat. PTSD, ADHD and Dissociative issues usually stem from the cognitive dissonance of putting up with abuse from somebody who’s a member of the family and who in any other case does love and look after you.
Shakespeare Opera Theatre will return to its regular style with its manufacturing of s Romeo and Juliet on July 11, 12, 13, 14 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and July 18, 19, 20 at Grace Episcopal Church. This manufacturing shall be a mixture of Charles Guonod’s eponymous opera and Shakespeare’s extra well-known play. Dr. Lind says it should speken in Shakespeare’s english and sung in Guonod’s french. Whereas the 2025-2026 season has not been formally introduced as but, we will sit up for Hansel and Gretel, Susannah, and Tartuffe. Dr. Lind studies that 2026 shall be all American music for the 250th anniversary of the delivery of the nation. .
SOT’s performances have extra of a celebration ambiance relatively than the church service ambiance of our main opera halls. I’ve discovered little pretense with SOT; they readily personal their limitations and nonetheless handle to interact us absolutely. Costume is “as you prefer it” and seating is at tables. Snacks and drinks are supplied on the market which could be consumed earlier than, throughout, or after performances. Attendance by kids is welcomed, although for Drowning Ophelia solely ages 11 and up, parental discretion suggested. The play contains suggestive conduct however nothing extra overt than a kiss.
This report, as is common, has benefited immensely from my spouse Debra serving as copy editor. My spouse writes a journey weblog known as fiammatravels.com for which I function the copy editor.
