ARKADELPHIA — Ouachita Baptist University Opera Theatre will present Heinrich Schutz’s Auferstehungshistorie: Historia der Auferstehung Jesu Christi Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Shows will run Thursday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2:30 p.m. in McBeth Recital Hall in Mabee Fine Arts Center.
Auferstehungshistorie: Historia der Auferstehung Jesu Christi translates Resurrection History: The History of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The opera shares the biblical story of the resurrection and accounts of the events that followed, such as Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and the women at the tomb, his appearances on the road to Emmaus and the reaction of the counsel of the chief priests after hearing of Jesus’ empty tomb.
The costuming, scenery and baroque religious music will reflect how the opera was originally seen in 1623.
“This show is designed to show a different perspective on the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the days after the resurrection occurred,” said Logan Dooley, a senior musical theatre major from Texarkana, Texas, who plays Jesus. “Vocally, the whole show is beautiful, and there are many amazing musical moments that I certainly have enjoyed performing.”
For the first time in many years, the opera will be produced in Ouachita’s McBeth Recital Hall rather than Jones Performing Arts Center.
“We made this decision to ensure the music and voices are presented in the best possible space for optimal performance without amplification,” said John Alec Briggs, lecturer of music and co-director of the opera.
The cast also will be accompanied by the Ouachita Singers, who will serve as the chorus for the production.
“Even if you don’t listen to Baroque music frequently or don’t speak German, you will be reminded through this opera of God’s glory, and the fact that we’ve been worshiping Him for millennia,” said Hannah Anderson, a junior musical theatre major from Austin, Texas, who plays one of Jesus’ disciples. “We as humans may change – in our fashion, in our music, in our language – but He does not.”
Tickets for the opera are $12 each and can be purchased online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or from the Ouachita Box Office weekdays from 1-5 p.m. For more information, contact the box office during business hours at (870) 245-5555.