Anatomy Theater |
Los
Angeles Review by Willard Manus LA OPERA Off Grand (with Beth Morrison Projects) recently mounted one of its most successful productions, ANATOMY THEATER, the new chamber opera by composer David Lang (libretto by Lang and set-designer Mark Dion), with music played by the wild UP ensemble, conducted by Christopher Rountree. Two of L.A.s most-promising singers, Peabody Southwell and Timur, headed the cast (which also included Marc Kudisch and Robert Osborne). ANATOMY THEATER
is based on historical truth. In the 18th century crowds turned out to
watch the dissection of dead criminals by leading surgeons
hoping to expose the evil that corrupted these poor souls. It was theology
posing as science and sold as entertainment. The public was not just gullible
but complicit in this tawdry, grisly business, cheering lustily as hearts
were torn out of chests and sniffed over by medical mountebanks. LA Opera
also recently announced its 2016/17 season. It will kick off in September
with Placido Domingo and James Conlon teaming on MACBETH, which will be
followed by AKHNATEN, THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO, SALOME, THE TALES
OF HOFFMAN and TOSCA. The new Off Grand season will include NOSFERATU,
THE SOURCE and THUMBPRINT. |