Prelude: A Preview for Persephone in the Late Anthropocene

In May 2016, a new spoken opera by Hinge/Works, Persephone in the Late Anthropocene, will premiere at SPACE, re-imagining an ancient myth in the age of climate change. In the meantime, what is the Anthropocene? Who was Persephone, this goddess who gave us the seasons, and how might she behave today? On March 28 at 7 p.m., Hinge/Works offers some inklings, in an immersive performative social hour, with themed drinks and snacks, in “The Persephone Prelude.”
 
As a preview of the opera, the Prelude will present background about the Anthropocene and the myth of Persephone; music and performance teasers; a chance to chat with Persephone lead artists; and community mingling over creative Persephone-themed treats and libations. Featuring performances by ensemble members Ian Bannon, Paul Haley, Bridgette Kelly, Deborah Paley, and Marjolaine Whittlesey, and by Ben Meiklejohn (oboe) and members of the Prospero Quartet: Victoria Hurlburt (violin), Leigh-Ashley Milne (viola), and Cameron Prescott (cello). Themed treats by Genevieve Johnson. Doors, drinks, and mingling with the Persephone Gods and Chorus at 7 p.m.
 
Persephone in the Late Anthropocene is a Hinge/Works co-creation of composer Denis Nye and librettist Megan Grumbling, directed by Tess Van Horn with installation and lighting design by Jenna Crowder and Corey Anderson, and is stage-managed by Rene Johnson. Persephone will run at SPACE May 12-15 and 19-22, 2016.