Events Calendar

From Poem to Stage
THE FACE by Donald Crockett and David St. John

Admission is free. Reservations required. To RSVP, click on the links below beginning Thursday, March 29, at 9 a.m.

USC Students, Staff and Faculty: To RSVP, click here http://www.usc.edu/dept/pubrel/visionsandvoices/RSVP/reserve.php?RSVPEvtCode=206

General Public: To RSVP, click here http://www.usc.edu/dept/pubrel/visionsandvoices/RSVP/reserveGeneral_Multi.php?RSVPEvtCode=206

THE FACE is a multidisciplinary chamber opera featuring music, film and choreography created by USC composer Donald Crockett and USC poet David St. John. Set in Venice Beach, THE FACE tells a deeply compelling story about the price of fame, desire and creativity. The central character, a poet named Raphael, struggles with the recent loss of his lover/muse while juggling the demands of a movie being made about his life and his increasing notoriety. The narrative is both passionate and raw in its candor, offering an insightful view of the human condition.

The artistic team for the production includes the innovative Parisian stage director/filmmaker Paul Desveaux and renowned European choreographer Yano Iatrides. An exceptional international cast includes acclaimed British tenor Daniel Norman as Raphael; American lyric baritone Thomas Meglioranza as the movie producer, Memphis; American mezzo-soprano Janna Baty as the director, Infanta; and young Australian soprano Jane Sheldon as the actress, Cybele.

The event will include an introduction by composer Donald Crockett followed by a semi-staged performance of selected scenes accompanied by the USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble. Short readings from the original novella in verse by eminent poet and USC professor David St. John will be interspersed between scenes. A Q&A with members of the creative team and the cast will follow.

Related Events:
From Poem to Stage: THE FACE is a multi-event residency that will offer a rare behind-the-scenes look into the process of transforming an idea (in this case a novella in verse) into a 21st-century multidisciplinary chamber opera.

Monday, April 23, 6 p.m.
Lloyd Sound Stage
Open musical rehearsal with an introduction by composer Donald Crockett.

Tuesday, April 24, 5 p.m.
Bovard Auditorium
Open dance/movement rehearsal with an introduction by choreographer Yano Iatrides.

Tuesday, April 24, 6:15 p.m.
Bovard Auditorium
Open stage rehearsal with an introduction by stage director Paul Desveaux.

Thursday, April 26, 11 a.m.
Location TBA
A panel discussion will explore a variety of aspects related to the development of this multidisciplinary production. Panelists will include poet/librettist David St. John, composer Donald Crockett, director Paul Desveaux, choreographer Yano Iatrides, producer Kate Vincent, USC Thornton faculty Chris Sampson and Brian Head and USC theatre faculty Sharon Carnicke.

Organized by the USC Thornton School of Music.

Photo: Katherine Vincent

For further information on this event:
visionsandvoices@usc.edu

Location: George Finley Bovard Administration Building (ADM) - Bovard Auditorium

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Daria Yudacufski