First Posted: 10/24/2014
Marywood University will host a free performance by the Sichuan Chengdu Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts on the university’s campus.
The group will perform “Desire Under the Elms,” based on the 1924 play by Eugene O’Neill.
Sichuan opera is known for beautiful singing less constrained than Beijing opera. Storytelling is an important part of the productio 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 Sichuan-style performers and 17 musicians. An English translation will be provided via electronic display screen.