The Chicago Fringe Opera's new production, Song from the Uproar: The Lives and Deaths of Isabelle Eberhardt, continues through Nov. 3 at Preston Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence Ave.
Song from the Uproar is the operatic retelling of noted gender-fluid writer and explorer Eberhardt's incandescent life and early death. This is a groundbreaking multimedia opera by composer Missy Mazzoli and her co-librettis Royce Vavrek.
Lyric mezzo-soprano and straight ally Emma Sorenson has been cast as Eberhardt and will perform alongside an ensemble cast. This role marks Sorenson's Chicago debut performance. She currently splits her time between Chicago and Boston.
"I can't stress how important this piece of music is, not just for new music, but also for women composers of opera," said Sorenson. "I'm excited to get this opportunity to portray Isabelle because I find her story fascinating. It's been an wild and promising transition to a new city and I can't imagine a more exciting project to enter into the Chicago art scene."
The creative team is lead by conductor Catherine O'Shaughnessy, stage director Amy Hutchison, choreographer Kia Smith, projections and scenic designer Franny Mendes Levitin, costume designer Janice Pytel, sound designer Chris Cvikota and lighting designer Ted Nazarowski.
"Missy and Royce have created an enthralling opera conjuring the truly queer spirit of Isabelle Eberhardt, the extraordinary 19th century European woman writer who converted to Islam and moved to North Africa, dressed as an Arab man; she lived and wrote with complete disregard for societal conventions," said Hutchison. "Isabelle bravely and brazenly catapulted herself into a life of sensual adventure and spiritual contemplation in a quest for true freedom. Isabelle was ahead of her time, and this composer is also at the vanguard of new music.
"Missy's score is beautiful and haunting with a driving pulse. It's avant-garde classical, with an electric edge. She layers electronic sounds with live voices, acoustic instruments and electric guitar. Our immersive multimedia production is a feast for eyes, ears, mind and soul, with unforgettable dance, projections and enthralling music by a knockout ensemble. This is an exciting Chicago premiere so don't miss it because it will sell out soon."
Performances began Oct. 28 at Preston Bradley Center 941 W. Lawrence Ave., and will also take place Nov. 1 and Nov. 3 at 7.30 p.m. The performance is 75 minutes long with no intermission. General-admission tickets are $30 and $20 for students. To purchase tickets, visit ChicagoFringeOpera.com/event/song-from-the-uproar/ or www.facebook.com/events/1791718291070618/ .
In addition to this production, Women & Children First bookstore will also be carrying Eberhardt's writings.