Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / News / ACU Opera to set Le Nozze di Figaro in the White House

ACU Opera to set Le Nozze di Figaro in the White House

March 24, 2019 by Emma Conatser

For the first time on the Cullen Auditorium stage, and accompanied by an orchestra, the ACU Opera Workshop will perform Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” on March 29-30.

Though this production is a change from the department’s yearly main stage shows, Dr. Rick Piersall, associate professor of music and director of opera, says he plans to make the show more relatable for a modern audience.

“Since 1784, there’s been political scandal,” Piersall said. “We’re still having issues with this power and the manipulation of power.”

Piersall’s “Figaro” will be set in the White House during the Jefferson, Kennedy, Clinton and Trump presidencies. He plans to call attention to chapters of American history where, like in the opera, power was abused.

“Our modern American audience may not know it’s a satire of what aristocracy was like, but by setting it in the White House, we all know it’s political,” Piersall said.

The opera, which satirizes the aristocracy, faced criticism and was even banned when it premiered in the eighteenth century. Piersall says he hopes to make this satire more relatable for those in attendance- even those who may not regularly attend an opera production.

“We can identify with stuff that has been going on for a long time. [This] has been the topic of political satire way before Saturday Night Live,” Piersall said.

Piersall said he plans to take advantage of the satire of the opera, using comical wigs and other costume elements to emphasize the characters’ personalities. Because of its new location in Cullen, this year’s opera production will feature a more elaborate set and an orchestral accompaniment.

Piersall said that while the production will be a comedic satire of the aristocracy and its power, it will also highlight issues at the heart of today’s audience.

The #MeToo movement, which has been an active call for change in recent years, is something that Piersall hopes to bring to light in the production, as themes like sexual harassment and abuse of power are discussed throughout the opera.

“The MeToo movement didn’t start last year- those issues are old. Comedy has long been the agent of speech for political change,” Piersall said.

Filed Under: News

Other News:

  • Engineering department adapts ride-in car for local boy

  • McCracken gets slice at dream role in ‘Sweeney Todd’

  • Wessel to welcome residential faculty as Sikes set to close for renovations

About Emma Conatser

You are here: Home / News / ACU Opera to set Le Nozze di Figaro in the White House

Other News:

  • Engineering department adapts ride-in car for local boy

  • McCracken gets slice at dream role in ‘Sweeney Todd’

  • Wessel to welcome residential faculty as Sikes set to close for renovations

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
16 Feb

Black Student Union, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have joined together to plan events that educate others and provide celebrations during Black History Month. Read more:
https://acuoptimist.com/2023/02/black-history-month-events-educate-celebrate-acu-community/

Reply on Twitter 1626340622872285184 Retweet on Twitter 1626340622872285184 Like on Twitter 1626340622872285184 2 Twitter 1626340622872285184
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
11 Feb

BREAKING: Robert D. “Bob” Hunter, vice president emeritus, passed away Saturday. Hunter served as a representative of the 71st district of Texas and worked part time with ACU until 2013.

Reply on Twitter 1624540404690436097 Retweet on Twitter 1624540404690436097 4 Like on Twitter 1624540404690436097 23 Twitter 1624540404690436097

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

2 days ago

The Optimist
Next for Optimist staff introductions is our photographer Sarah. "Hello! My name is Sarah Eunyoung Thompson and I’m originally from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. I am here as a sophomore majoring in graphic design. Some of my favorite hobbies include: art, ping pong, photography, singing, and thrifting." ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

5 days ago

The Optimist
Starting off our staff introductions is Optimist News Writer Brylie Leach."Hi! My name is Brylie Leach, and I'm a sophomore communication sciences and disorders major and journalism minor from Savoy, Texas. My favorite thing about ACU is the community and Christ-centered environment. I truly feel like I can grow in my faith, and I have made so many memories and relationships that I will cherish forever. I'm looking forward to being a part of The Optimist staff for a second year and having the privilege to tell the stories of others."---------------------------------------------------------------#acuoptimist #optimist #studentmedia #acu #abilenechristianuniversity ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 22, 2023

Our top stories this week include the passing of Dr. Bob Hunter, a new endowment ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 8, 2023
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 1, 2023
  • Optimist Newscast Jan. 25, 2023

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved