The beauty of fall brings pleasant temperatures to Atlanta and along with the autumn breeze, opera will be in the air. The Atlanta Opera will perform their reimagined 2020-21 season in an outdoor venue on the grounds of Oglethorpe University. The season is called the “Big Tent Series,” which will include six productions opening in October. “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes spoke with director Tomer Zvulun about performing in this new aired-out space.
The series begins with Leoncavallo’s iconic “Pagliacci” performed in repertory with the biting satire of “The Kaiser of Atlantis.” Each production will have nine performances, alternating nightly, for a total of 18 performances. Both productions will be performed at Oglethorpe University beginning Oct. 22 and closing on Nov. 14.
The “Big Tent Series” will be performed in a custom-made tent without walls, much like a circus-styled tent. The venue will have capacity for up to 240 audience members. Zvulun felt that only offering this upcoming season digitally wouldn’t have the same impact as being there in person.
“With all our gratitude to those handheld devices, there’s absolutely no replacement for the miracle of live performances,” said Zvulun.
Both productions will be performed at Oglethorpe University beginning Oct. 22 and closing on Nov. 14. The opera has also announced that all six productions will be captured digitally with intent to create and share films of the performances with broader audiences. You can find more information about their pods, limited ticketing, and sanitation guidelines here.
