San José Chamber Orchestra Presents OURLAND: A Dystopian State This Month
Performances are Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.
The San José Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Barbara Day Turner, makes its second foray into chamber opera, presenting OURLAND: A Dystopian State, an opera in 12 scenes recently composed by Paul Davies with a libretto by Daniel Helfgot.
It is the story of Othien, a young man who was born across the border and now lives in Ourland with his adoptive parents and their daughter Landsis.
Ourland is an imaginary country but where many societies today can easily find themselves reflected. It is a country ruled by fear and suspicion of outsiders. Following in the long tradition of opera as relevant social commentary, it tackles the subject of the life and death consequences of bigotry, suspicion, resentment, and hate of the foreigner...the other. Mexican-American composer Paul Davies and Argentine-American librettist Daniel Helfgot bring their respective extensive backgrounds to the crafting of this intense cautionary tale heightened by lyrical, descriptive music.
CONTENT WARNING: due to the heavy nature of the subject matter, this performance is not suitable for children.
Director: Daniel Helfgot
Scenic and Projection Design: Greg Mitchell
Lighting Design: Chris Wood
Costume Coordinator: Julie Engelbrecht
Approximate running time 75 minutes
Cast List
Othien: Scott Wichael
Landsis: Karen Wemhoener
Churchman: Alexander R. Adams
Policewoman: Heather Gallagher
Foreign Woman: Ashley Nuñez
Mother: Maura Schaefer
Father: Evan Fleming
Barkeeper: Roberto Perlas Gomez
Doctor: Joseph Meyers
Performance Details:
PHOTOS CREDIT: Alexis Silver Photography
