The Rape of Lucretia

Music by Benjamin Britten
Libretto by Ronald Duncan

The production will be presented in English with English supertitles.

The Southern Theater April 1-3, 2022

The Rape of Lucretia, based on the ancient Roman tragedy of Lucretia, was the first of Britten’s chamber operas. The story unfolds amid a war between the Greeks and Romans circa 510 BC, under the Roman rule of tyrannical Etruscan King Lucius Tarquinius Superbos. It is in this hostile society of toxic masculinity and violence that Lucretia’s body is used as a tool for political ambition and power.

AOT’s production encourages communities to gather in a supportive space of art and music and confront the uncomfortable realities that this story sheds on contemporary societal power constructs. Together, we will ask hard questions. Together, we will learn to better support survivors and envision a world free of gender-based violence.

We acknowledge that this will be a deeply disturbing story for many people, and in many ways. We encourage you to hold space with us to process and reflect. A roundtable discussion will be hosted directly after each performance with our Community Partners: Women’s Advocates, Violence Free MN, Southern Valley Alliance, and Advocates for Human Rights.

“Art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable.”- Cesar A. Cruz

WHAT TO EXPECT

COVID-19 Safety Policy

AOT is committed to keeping our communities safe. Help us keep artists working and those around you safe and healthy!

The following are required to attend:

proof of full COVID-19 vaccination OR
a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to attending an event.
Photo ID
Non-cloth masks worn for the duration of the event, such as N95, KN95, KF94, or surgical masks.

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change. All ticket holders will be updated accordingly prior to performances.

Content Warning

The topics of this opera deal with rape and gender-based violence. This production contains scenes of sexual violence, misogyny, and suicide. Should you feel triggered at any point during the performance, you are welcome to step out of the theater.

If needed, a trained therapist from the Domestic Abuse Project will be provided on-site at no cost.

Talkbacks will be hosted after each performance with our Community Partners: Women's Advocates, Violence Free MN, Southern Valley Alliance, and Advocates for Human Rights.

Accessibility

ASL Interpretation can be provided for the April 2 performance upon request. Please email aotopera@gmail.com by Friday, March 25 to let us know if you would like ASL accommodations.

Performances will be presented in English with English supertitles.

The Southern Theater provides wheelchair seating. Please contact aotopera@gmail.com after reserving your ticket(s) to request wheelchair seating.

For more information on mobility access, please contact The Southern Theater at 612.340.0155

Cast

Crew

Female chorus- Tricia Van Ee / Kristin Morant*
Male chorus: Brian Wallin / Trevor Lemon-Todd*
Lucretia: Kara Morgan / Anna Hashizume*
Tarquinius: Justin Anthony Spenner / Anthony Potts*
Collatinus: Alex Ritchie / Rodolfo Nieto*
Bianca: Sahar Hassan / Alyssa Burdick*
Lucia: Meagan Seubert / Jessica Nesbit*
Junius: Joel Mathias
Dancers: Hannah Benditt and Andy Lupinek

* denotes cover

Stage Director: Teresa Mock
Music Director: Lara Bolton
Choreographer: Jennifer Mack
Intimacy Director: Shae Palic
Assistant Director: Carole Schultz
Stage Manager: Laini Devin
Collaborative Pianist: Jordan Buchholtz
Intimacy Coach: Maria Kosovich
Executive Producer & Artistic Director: Kelly M Turpin

Orchestra

Alexandra Berndt, bassoon
Allison Akins, horn
Claire Loudon*, violin 1
Eri Isomura, percussion
Hannah Palmquist, harp
Jennifer Rubin, double bass
Jordan Buchholtz, piano
Lindsey Thompson, oboe
Mary Alice Hutton, violin 2
Matthew Mindeman, viola
Ming-Hui Min, flute
Paul Schimming, clarinet
Rebeccah Parker Downs, cello

*denotes concertmaster

Design Team

Lighting Designer: Claudia Errickson
Costume Designer: Samantha Haddow
Set Designer: Emily Jaques
Graphic Designer: Jerrald Dyon Spencer Jr.

Community Partners

Women’s Advocates
Violence Free MN
Advocates for Human Rights Southern Valley Alliance
Domestic Abuse Project

This production is made possible through the generous support of The Sparkplug Foundation, The Minnesota State Arts Board, and individual donors.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.