San José Chamber Orchestra presents OURLAND: A Dystopian State in October
Performances are Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.
San José Chamber Orchestra presents OURLAND: A Dystopian State. A World Premiere of an Opera with music by Paul Davies and libretto by Daniel Helfgot.
Performances are Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23.
Time: Curtains at 7:30pm.
Where: 3Below Theaters & Café, 288 South Second Street, San José 95113. (Inexpensive parking is available in the city-owned garage directly above the theater.)
More: A World Premiere Opera of our time and for our time.
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
|
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark SPARC (7/03-7/26) |
|
Secret Improv Vice, San Francisco Noir Shelton Theater (7/26-7/26) |
|
The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA The Marsh Berkeley (7/10-8/07) |
|
Candace Johnson’s The Conductress: Adventures in Teaching Gospel Music The Marsh Berkeley (8/28-8/30) |
|
|
The Sound of Music San Jose Center for the Performing Arts (7/21-7/26) |
|
Robyn DeGuzman’s Enough Free The Marsh Berkeley (8/28-8/30) |
|
Dream Hou$e City Lights Theater Company (5/13-6/06) |
|
Sherry Glaser’s Life & Death: A Love Story The Marsh Berkeley (8/21-8/22) |
|
Lauren Mayer’s I Didn’t Come From Your Rib The Marsh Berkeley (8/21-8/23) |
|
Company City Lights Theater Company (7/15-8/22) |