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KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 20, 2022

New production centers the story on loss of a loved partner to the ravages of dementia

In partnership with The Atlanta Opera and Kennesaw State University鈥檚 Bailey School of Music, the North American premiere of will be presented at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center on October 7, 8 and 9. Tickets range from $20-$50 and may be purchased online or by calling Patron Services at 470-578-6650.

From the one-act chamber opera from Bela Bart贸k, Bluebeard鈥檚 Castle is traditionally presented as a psychological thriller or Gothic horror as the lover uncovers the secrets of Bluebeard鈥檚 past. This new production, from director Daisy Evens and conductor Stephen Higgins, centers the story on the loss of a loved partner to the ravages of dementia in a way that will resonate with anyone who has dealt with aging loved ones.

Michael Mayes (Bluebeard) reunites with Susan Bullock (Judith) in this relatable story. Mayes is well known to Atlanta audiences, having starred in Dead Man Walking here, a filmed version of Glory Denied, as well as Sweeney Todd, The Kaiser of Atlantis, and Carmen. Bullock, one of the world鈥檚 most sought-after dramatic sopranos, is best known for her portrayal of Wagner鈥檚 Br眉nnhilde, which garnered outstanding praise and led her to become the first ever soprano to sing four consecutive cycles of Der Ring des Nibelungen at the Royal Opera House. She is making her The Atlanta Opera debut. 

Instead of doors masking Bluebeard鈥檚 true soul, the audience encounters Judith鈥檚 fraught relationship with her memories and its effect on her husband. The roles were first created for the world premiere from London鈥檚 Theater of Sound. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e been excited about this adaptation of Bluebeard鈥檚 Castle since its debut in the U.K,鈥� says Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director . 鈥淭his is a production that resonates with so many of us who have struggled through caregiving and loss. As we approach nearly a decade of Discoveries performances throughout the community, I can say with certainty that Bluebeard鈥檚 Castle fits the ethos of the series perfectly. We are proud of our partnership with Kennesaw State University鈥檚 College of the Arts for this U.S. premiere.鈥�  

Kennesaw State University鈥檚 Wellstar is supporting the production by hosting dementia/altered neurologic simulations for students in three classes as a prelude to the opera. Next, a panel in 鈥淐ommunity Conversations鈥� features Norman J. Radow 鈥� faculty Erica Holliday and artists from the production to discuss the emotional impact of memory, caretaking, and dementia. Scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:00 p.m., the public is invited to attend this free event at Prillaman Hall, Room HS 1105.

In-person for Bluebeard鈥檚 Castle Oct. 7-9 are available online or by calling Patron Services at 470-578-6650. The opera will be performed in English. Learn more about and the Bailey School of Music. 

--Kathie Beckett and Ashley Mirakian