Merola Opera Program presents “The Rape of Lucretia”

Merola Opera Program continues its 2023 Summer Festival with a fully staged production of Benjamin Britten’s “The Rape of Lucretia,” approached through a current lens. Based on an ancient Roman myth, with a libretto by Ronald Duncan set to one of Britten’s most searing and lyrical scores, “The Rape of Lucretia” follows the tale of dedicated spouse Lucretia, who becomes a target in a brutal weaponization of sexual assault for power. The work’s violent subject matter will be explored in relation to today’s climate, with post-performance discussions that bring the creative team together with audience members in an open format. Maestro Judith Yan returns to Merola to conduct “The Rape of Lucretia.” Equally adept in symphony, opera, and ballet, Maestro Yan has conducted for major companies in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. German stage director Jan Eßinger makes his U.S. debut with this production. Known for bringing a fresh directorial perspective, Eßinger has helmed dozens of acclaimed productions throughout Europe, notably at the Theater Heidelberg, Opernhaus Zϋrich, Theater Koblenz, Philharmonie de Luxembourg, and many others.