Nakyouout – For 25 seasons, Pittsburgh’s Quantum Theatre has been recognized for producing innovative and experimental performances in various nontraditional spaces. This year, organizers plan to kick off the season with some classic Shakespearean literature, which will be transformed into an opera production. Titled “The Winter’s Tale,” the production will stem from Artistic Director, Karla Boos, and Music Director, Andres Cladera.
Boos and Cladera will also collaborate with Andrew Fouts, Patricia Halverson and Scott Pauley of the Chatham Baroque, as well as Attack Theatre; together, they’ll provide choreography, along with a cast of four dancers, 11 singers and an all-period orchestra. Additional music contributions will also be provided by Justin Wallace.
Based on William Shakespeare’s playwright, “The Winter’s Tale” will tell the story of how a moment of jealousy and act of anger leads to a lifetime of regret for King Leontes, a rash ruler who destroys his family in his fit of rage.
The tale goes on to tell each character’s story; highlights the repercussions of fate and love; and how a few true friends are willing to work wonders to restore happiness to the King’s dismal world. Its elements sweep from tragedy to comedy along the way – “visiting kings and queens, dancing shepherds, a most extraordinary statue and a notoriously hungry bear” – before it reaches a shocking conclusion.
In the end, the message holds true – in both the story and throughout life – that love is always present if we know where to look for it…
