Directed by Yuval Sharon | 2016
Acclaimed opera director and MacArthur fellow Yuval Sharon captures an innovative staging of Christopher Cerrone’s widely acclaimed opera, adapted from Italo Calvino’s 1972 fantastical novel. Exploring sonic qualities of decay and lushness through the use of found objects and pre-recorded voices interwoven with live voices, this production of Invisible Cities, which was a 2014 Pulitzer Prize finalist, took place inside Los Angeles’ iconic Union Station, engaging audience members through wireless technology amid the hustle and bustle of the train station. The opera imagines a meeting between the emperor Kublai Khan, at the end of his life, and the explorer Marco Polo, who narrates with haunting simplicity to Khan the fantastical cities of desire, of memory, and of the imagination and mind.
Post-screening Discussion and Performance
Q&A with Christopher Cerrone and Yuval Sharon, moderated by Joe Melillo (Executive Producer, BAM). Followed by a musical performance featuring vocalist Ashley Faatoalia and pianist Ray Wong.