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SFA to Stage Comedic Opera, 'The Bartered Bride'
Sylvia Bierschenk - March 7, 2008
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Think that all operas are sung in a foreign language and have long, boring plots? To dispel those misconceptions, check out Stephen F. Austin State University's upcoming production of Bedrich Smetana's "The Bartered Bride" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, through Saturday, April 12, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.
Set at festival time in a Bohemian village, the comedic plot revolves around a young peasant girl who is in love with Jenik but whose father makes arrangements for her to marry a wealthy landowner's son she's never met, explained Dr. Deborah Dalton, the opera's director.
"The convoluted story line is full of mistaken identities, a long, lost family member and a surprise ending. There's even a circus, beer drinking songs and lots of polkas," Dalton continued. "Premiered in 1866, it is very Czech in flavor and is regarded as the Czech national opera. We will be presenting the English version by Donald Pippin."
The musical roles are filled by approximately 40 vocal students, with most of the principal roles double cast to maximize the performance opportunities for the students.
The production will be conducted by Gene H. Moon, director of orchestral studies at SFA, and will feature the SFA Chamber Orchestra. SFA theatre faculty and students are designing and/or providing the sets, lights and costumes. The production also involves dancers from across campus and some community members.
A joint presentation of the SFA School of Music and the School of Theatre, the opera provides a wonderful opportunity for students from both areas, explained Dalton. "The vocal students need the experience of performing in a fully staged opera, which is far different from singing an isolated aria with only a piano accompaniment. And the theatre students benefit by being involved in another large-scale production."
The opera is part of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series and is sponsored in part by Cataract, Glaucoma & Retina Consultants of East Texas.
Prior to the April 10 performance, the College of Fine Arts will host a 7 p.m. informative talk in Griffith Gallery, directly across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The audience is invited back to the gallery after the performance for a reception honoring the event's corporate sponsor and an opportunity to meet the cast.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for students. For tickets or more information, please call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS, or purchase tickets on-line.