San José Chamber Orchestra presents OURLAND: A Dystopian State. A World Premiere of an Opera with music by Paul Davies and libretto by Daniel Helfgot.
Yes, it could happen here. A World Professional Premiere Opera of our time and for our time.
The San José Chamber Orchestra, under the baton of Maestra Barbara Day Turner, makes its second foray into chamber opera, presenting OURLAND: A Dystopian State, an opera in 12 scenes recently composed by Paul Davies with a libretto by Daniel Helfgot. It is the story of Othien, a young man who was born across the border and now lives in Ourland with his adoptive parents and their daughter Landsis.
Ourland is an imaginary country but where many societies today can easily find themselves reflected. It is a country ruled by fear and suspicion of outsiders. Following in the long tradition of opera as relevant social commentary, it tackles the subject of the life and death consequences of bigotry, suspicion, resentment, and hate of the foreigner…the other. Mexican-American composer Paul Davies and Argentine-American librettist Daniel Helfgot bring their respective extensive backgrounds to the crafting of this intense cautionary tale heightened by lyrical, descriptive music.
CONTENT WARNING: due to the heavy nature of the subject matter, this performance is not suitable for children.
Director: Daniel Helfgot
Production Design: Greg Mitchell
Lighting Design: Chris Wood
Costume Coordinator: Julie Engelbrecht
Approximate running time 75 minutes
Cast List
Othien: Scott Wichael
Landsis: Karen Wemhoener
Churchman: Alexander Adams
Policewoman: Heather Gallagher
Foreign Woman: Ashley Nuñez
Mother: Maura Schaefer
Father: Evan Fleming
Barkeeper: Roberto Perlas Gomez
Doctor: Joseph Meyers
PHOTO CREDIT: Alexis Silver Photography.