NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma will present Benjamin Britten’s opera The Turn of the Screw Oct. 16–19 in the Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, a chamber opera that explores childhood innocence, mystery and complex psychological themes.
The production, under the direction of OU professors Jonathan Shames and Nicole Kenley-Miller, is based on Henry James’ 1898 novella and follows a governess hired to care for two children at an English country estate. As she begins to suspect that the children are influenced by forces from their past, the story shifts from being about ghosts to exploring the consequences of exploitation and silence.
Kenley-Miller says that although the opera is set in the Victorian era, “its themes still resonate with audiences today.”
To help student performers navigate the opera’s challenging subject matter, Kenley-Miller invited Anna Adkins, operations director at Abbott House Child Advocacy Center in Norman, to speak with the cast. Abbott House provides supportive services for children and families.
“At a child advocacy center, we create a safe space where children can share their stories and access needed resources,” Adkins said. “It is important that communities stay aware and responsive.”
Adkins says she is encouraged by the OU students’ commitment to portraying the story with empathy. “They want to honor the material while also respecting the responsibility of performing such a difficult work,” she said.
Initially composed for a limited cast and a 13-piece ensemble, the work is classified as a chamber opera, intended for intimate venues that enhance psychological intensity. Although the child roles were originally written for children, Kenley-Miller and Shames cast young college students to provide valuable stage experience.
Performances are set for 8 p.m. Oct. 16–18 and 3 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets are available through the OU Fine Arts Box Office. For more information, phone 405-325-4101. Performances held in the Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval, Norman. The Turn of the Screw contains mature themes.
The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts produces over 400 concerts, recitals, dramas, musicals, operas and dance performances each year. Learn more at ou.edu/finearts.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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