Marywood University to Host Free Sichuan Opera
SCRANTON, PA—Marywood University will host a performance by the Sichuan Chengdu Opera House on Tuesday, October 28, 2014, in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, on the university’s campus. This event is free and open to the public.
The group will perform Desire Under the Elms, based on the 1924 play by Eugene O’Neill. “The production features a real East meets West situation, where an American play is transformed into the Sichuan Opera style,” said F. David Romines, D.M.A., assistant professor of music education at Marywood University.
Sichuan opera is known for beautiful singing that is less constrained than Beijing Opera. Storytelling is an important part of the production, and the acting is exact and very detailed. The music features pitched gongs and traditional string instruments, such as the erhu. The form is systematic, with a variety of masks that change in an instant, as well as acrobatics, sword fights, and fire stunts.
The two-hour production with feature 12 of China’s most accomplished Sichuan-style performers and 17 musicians. An English translation will be provided via electronic display screen.
For more information on this production, as well as a calendar of events for Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance programs, visit www.marywood.edu/mtd.