LA Opera‘s latest jaunt into challenging contemporary opera is making waves, as the world premiere of David Lang‘s Anatomy Theater opens Thursday, and gets four more performances through Monday, the last of which is followed by a free after-party hosted by Time Out Los Angeles. The opera was mentioned in last week’s issue of CCMN, but apparently merits a bit more explanation: its aesthetics and direction are already raising eyebrows, after Tuesday’s dress rehearsal at REDCAT revealed more than just production secrets. Be aware that this show is decidedly (and deliberately) grisly, due to its subject matter, and includes prolonged nudity by one cast member, which our sources protest may or may not be explained away so easily. (You’ll have to decide for yourselves on that one. But do leave the kiddies at home.)
The plot comes from actual documentation of the traveling public autopsies that were common in 18th-century Europe. The bodies were sourced through the courts, with criminals serving as educational tools and macabre entertainment in their grim afterlife. The visually stunning production is a collaboration with co-librettist/set designer Marc Dion and with Beth Morrison Projects. The small ensemble cast includes mezzo Peabody Southwell, baritone Marc Kudisch, bass-bari Robert Osborne, countertenor Timur, and instrumentalists from wildUp, with their artistic director Christopher Rountree conducting. LAO has provided quite a bit of material on their website, and plenty of pics on their Facebook page, so you can get an idea of what to expect. You can even read the murderess’ confession… Tickets are selling out, so grab yours any way you can.
LA Opera presents
Anatomy Theater
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Thurs June 16, 8pm
Fri June 17, 8pm
Sat June 18, 8pm
Sun June 19, 2pm
Mon June 20, 8pm
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REDCAT
631 W 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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| Calendar listing |
Featured photo: Robert Osborne in a 2016 workshop of “Anatomy Theater”. Photo courtesy of LA Opera.
