English National Opera on Screen Coming to WHAT

In response to a request for more opera, Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater has added five broadcasts from English National Opera (ENO Screen) to its winter/spring calendar. ENO Screen's live cinema broadcasts are as distinctive as ENO's live work in the theatre, creating a unique cinematic experience for audiences across the globe. Multiple HD cameras provide unusual angles and close-up views of the action on stage and in the orchestra pit, giving a true cinematic experience for viewers. The five opera broadcasts at WHAT are:

Bizet's "Carmen," January 31, 2pm
A passionate tale of lust, seduction and betrayal, no other opera boasts as popular a following as Bizet's "Carmen." Set during the dying days of Franco's Spain, Calixto Bieito's acclaimed production of this must-see opera has been enjoyed by audiences across Europe.

Britten's "Peter Grimes," February 14, 2pm
The bleak, enclosed world of a fishing village provides the backdrop for the story of fisherman Peter Grimes and his uneasy relationship with the other inhabitants. This is the first revival of David Alden's 2009 five-star sell-out production. ENO Music Director Edward Gardner again conducts the electrifying score, with Stuart Skelton heading an outstanding cast in his return to the title role.

Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance," February 28, 2pm
Sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes - Gilbert and Sullivan's dazzling "The Pirates of Penzance" comes to ENO in a highly anticipated new production from renowned film maker and director Mike Leigh. This much-loved comic opera is a showcase of brilliant humour and razor-sharp wit and features a sparkling score chock-full of memorable melodies and catchy tunes.

Berlioz's "Benvenuto Cellini," April 3, 2pm
Terry Gilliam and ENO Music Director Edward Gardner reunite to forge this remarkable new production of Berlioz's rarely-performed "Benvenuto Cellini." Gilliam's inexhaustible imagination is unleashed on the outrageous autobiography of celebrated 16-century goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. It's a tale of thwarted love, elopement, intrigue, disguise, and mistaken identity, which also features dazzling visual set pieces including a wild Mardi Gras carnival.

Verdi's "La Traviata," April 17, 2pm
A tragic and resonant tale of society and morality, Verdi's masterpiece combines compelling characters with hugely powerful, moving and instantly recognizable melodies, making it one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time. Peter Konwitschny's celebrated production returns to ENO, cutting to the very heart of the opera's themes of passionate love and tragic death with a modern and uncluttered staging, and a running time of less than two hours.

English National Opera on Screen
Tickets: $28 adult/$22 senior/$12 student
Subscribe to all 5 ENO broadcasts: $100
Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater
2357 Route 6, Wellfleet
508-349-9428
www.what.org

Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater is the award-winning theater company that inspired "a new vigor for theater on the Cape" (New York Times). In honor of the theater's namesake, Julie Harris, WHAT continues to be a sounding board for new and bold ideas, presenting "continually adventurous theater" (Boston Globe), and year-round programming.

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