By VICTORIA ELIZABETH
CTFashionMag.com
“Semele,” a timeless story of unbridled love, jealousy, passion, sensuality and ambition, is a three-part musical drama by renowned Baroque-era composer George Frideric Handel, which was first performed in 1744 at the Covent Garden Theatre in London.
Brought to life by The Atlanta Opera June 7, 10, 13, 15 at the legendary Cobb Energy Center, in Atlanta, “Semele” seamlessly intertwined breathtaking costuming , ethereal vocals, uniquely juxtaposed set design, and a storyline which transcends the generations for a stunning operatic spectacle which will remain with you long after the curtain draws.
Directed by visionary Tomer Zvulun (general and artistic director of the Atlanta Opera), the Atlanta Opera’s production of this legendary work of operatic excellence involved the hard work, talent, expertise, and sublime artistic prowess of a dynamic creative team of vocalists, designers, musicians and intimacy coordinators.
Our titular character finds herself seduced by Jupiter (also known as “Jove”) – The King of the Gods – and their subsequent passionate affair leads to her being taken away to a heavenly realm, where she perpetually dreams of immortality.
Juno, the envious wife of Jupiter plots revenge by tricking Semele into seeing Jupiter in his truest form, a trickery which results in chaos, turmoil, and even death.
The first act, which sees a stark, sterile, yet somehow festive set with a bit of a looming morbid overtone, features a large ensemble of cast players gathered in The Temple of Juno, Queen of the Gods, wife of Jupiter. The ensemble is gathered to celebrate the impending nuptials of Semele (daughter of Cadmus, the Phoenician Prince who founded the city of Thebes) to Athamas. However, not everyone is jubilant about the occasion as Semele’s sister Ino is secretly in love with Athamas, while Semele pines for Jupiter.
The Mighty Thunderer abruptly disrupts the wedding with some dreadful omens and it is later revealed that Semele has been abducted and is being kept in the realm of the gods, where she discovers “Endless Pleasure, Endless Love.”
Impish, charming and enigmatic, the goddess Iris reveals to Juno the indulgent palace in which her husband, Jove has placed Semele. Intrepidly determined to destroy her new rival, the vengeful wife disguises herself as the mortal Semele’s sister, Ino, and provides our protagonist with a magical mirror, causing her to fall in love with herself.
Juno, disguised as Ino successfully convinces the desperate Semele that if Jupiter makes love to her in his divine form, that she shall forever enjoy immortality among the gods and goddesses. Semele wholeheartedly believing and trusting her “sister” summons Jove and demands that he appear to her in his divine godly form. Appalled by her request, Jupiter/Jove reveals to Semele that this would inevitably harm her, but she furiously and ardently stands behind her demands declaring that she will “take no less.”
As Semele’s grave demise approaches, one tragic and fateful end begets a whole new beginning, and a burning love and passion is sealed with a not so happily ever after.
Josh Lovell, an accomplished tenor brings panache and great aplomb to his portrayal of Jupiter. Catherine Martin (soprano) beautifully balances her portrayals of the ambitious yet lovelorn Ino and the scheming, revenge-minded Juno.
Lauren Snouffer is an absolute revelation as the titular character of Semele, portraying the complex leading lady with a heartbreaking and beautiful blend of vulnerability and blind determination.
Elisa Sunshine utilizes the “theatrical charisma” for which she been widely recognized by top media outlets as the plucky goddess Iris.
Additional standout characters include William Guanbo Su, utilizing his rich vocals and powerful stage presence as both Cadmus and Somnus.
Be sure to follow The Atlanta Opera on all major social media platforms for exclusive content you won’t find elsewhere, and be sure to check out the website for a complete list of upcoming productions and events.
Special thanks to the amazing Greg and the wonderful Atlanta Opera Team for facilitating our spotlight feature.
WEBSITE: https://www.atlantaopera.org
PHONE NUMBER: 404-881-8885
INSTAGRAM @theatlantaopera
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