Thursday, November 9 at 7:30PM
Friday, November 10 at 7:30PM
Saturday, November 11 at 7:30PM

Opera Up Close with EDGE Ensemble

Caged Birds

Set in an intimate black box studio, Opera Up Close features small ensembles, but big ideas. Caged Birds is a multi-disciplinary collaboration featuring dance and opera, as well as augmented reality by the Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCIL) Lab and live music by the conservatory’s own EDGE Ensemble. The production, which features works by Julius Eastman, Meredith Monk, Santa Ratniece and Missy Mazzoli, is an immersive exploration and meditation on identity through the lens of composers who have pushed the boundaries of classical music in recent years. Conceived and staged by Director of Opera Ella Marchment, Caged Birds imagines a gathering of women trapped by, or in, their own bodies. Featuring characters inspired by Princess Diana, poet/writer Sylvia Plath, obstetrician Margaret Ann Bulkley (under the male pseudonym James Barry) and singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse, the work creatively explores iconic figures from across history and immerses audiences in their struggles to be accepted for who they were in a male-dominated society.

Sung in English with chamber ensemble accompaniment

Directed by Ella Marchment
Music by EDGE Ensemble, under the direction of Jonathan Newman and Timothy J. Robblee
Augmented reality design by SU SCIL Lab
Choreography by Lindsay Browning

Suggested Show Rating: PG-13

This production contains depictions of physical and emotional anger, as well as confinement and capture. Contact the Box Office for more information.

Digital Program

View Digital Program

Shenandoah Conservatory uses digital programs for all performances. In addition to their engaging and accessible design, digital programs are cost effective, environmentally friendly and enable us to create and update our programs more efficiently, which means we can focus our resources on the performances you love! View our digital programs by clicking the button above, scanning the QR code in our venue or texting PROGRAM to (540) 307-2336 at the performance. [Note: Digital programs are best viewed on your mobile or tablet device.]

Accessibility

Accommodations for disabilities may be arranged by contacting the Box Office at least three days prior to the performance.

Photos by Lindsay Browning