HE WHO GETS SLAPPED (2020-24 est.)

Opera in Two Acts

12 Singing Roles, 2 Speaking Roles, Chorus

Orchestra: 2.2.2.2 2.2.2.1 Harp 2 Perc Celesta Strings

Mezzo-soprano Raphaella Medina as Zinida

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

HE Who Gets Slapped is an opera in development with librettist Daniel Neer, based on Leonid Andreyev’s 1915 play of the same name. The opera’s action revolves around a mysterious stranger, known only as “HE,” who works as a clown at a small circus in the early part of the 20th century. In addition to lengthy runs on Broadway and London’s West End, Andreyev’s tale has been adapted into a Russian silent film (1916), an MGM feature (1924), a novelization (1924), and other forms of media. This operatic setting is testament to its continuing timeless appeal.

This two-act production is in production with support from Opera Orlando. For a detailed timeline of the project’s completion, see the one sheet (link above).

MORE AUDIO/VIDEO EXCERPTS

Baritone Geoffrey Peterson as HE

Soprano Sara Lucille Law as Consuelo

Bass Joe Colsant as Jackson

Tenor Robert Hartfield as Mancini