Whoever said musicians weren't dramatic? The Department of Theatre and Dance's next production will be Opus on October 6, in the Campus Auditorium.
The production promises a dramatic and musically intriguing plotline, starting with a job loss.
“Opus is a fantastically vibrant show about what it means to create art and maintain relationships in a collaborate environment where egos, success, talent, and conflict can either push us to new heights of fame and fortune or into the depth of personal despair,” says Justin Amellio, director of Opus and assistant professor of theatre.
“After firing one of their founding members due to his erratic behavior, a world-class string quartet takes a chance on a gifted but relatively inexperienced young woman. With only a few days to rehearse a grueling Beethoven masterpiece, the four struggle to prepare their highest-profile performance ever—a televised ceremony at the White House. Their rehearsal room becomes a pressure-cooker as passions rise, personalities clash, and the players are forced to confront the ephemeral nature of their life’s work,” summarizes the press release from the Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts.
If this sounds like something an in-house group may have some input to give: That would be correct.
“The Euclid Quartet [resident quartet at IU South Bend] has been kind enough to visit with the students during a rehearsal to discuss what it is like to be in a quartet and many other topics,” says Amellio.
The Euclid Quartet had a change of two members over the summer, so the timing couldn't be more apt.
“Dr. Jeffrey Wright, chair of the music department, has also been serving as our string instrument consultant, helping us understand the nuances of utilizing these instruments throughout the piece,” says Amellio.
“Opus was chosen for many reasons for its connection to music, as well as its ability to celebrate the Department of Music for the school of the arts 25th anniversary as a school. This show also examines, from one perspective, what it means to be an artist in society. It also presents a new acting and designing-based challenges for our students as well,” says Amellio.
The production will open at 8 pm on October 6-8, and 2 pm on October 8-9. Tickets are available for $5-$7 in advance, and $7-$9 at the door. Tickets are free for students and children.