75°
This opera will be performed by the fifth grade class of D-E Lower School -- and students have created every aspect of the production. They've been at work since October. The writers wrote a full-length script, while the composers wrote music for the lyrics. Costume artists designed costumes, set designers designed the settings for the opera, and the carpenters built and helped paint the backdrops.
Additionally, electricians built a light board and will run lights for the production. The stage managers have rehearsed with the performers, and will cue them during the show. Historians have gathered information all along the way and will make their display on exhibit during the performance. The production manager held company meetings and made sure everything ran smoothly. The actual performance will be run completely by all the fifth-graders, with no adult involvement or supervision.
The theme of "The True Test" is pressure. According to Fifth Grade Public Relations Officer Brooke Sonkin, "This theme was chosen because pressure falls into our everyday life, into categories including school, activities, sports and maybe even home."
PR Officer Anya Ganeshan adds, "In the beginning of the year, students thought stress was part of our daily life. They felt that they had to live up to their parents' expectations and do well in school."
This production is part of the Creating Original Opera program from the Metropolitan Opera Guild. Lower School music teacher Lisa Dove, who is new to D-E this year but had previously worked with the Creating Original Opera program adds, "I'm excited that this program still exists in schools like Dwight-Englewood, and I love working with this group of students and teachers."
The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Hajjar Auditorium on the D-E campus. For more details about the Creating Original Opera Program at D-E, visit the website.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Englewood and receive free news updates.
