Bare Opera To Present MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES

Bare Opera will present Astor Piazzolla's Maria de Buenos Aires, directed by and staring as Maria, MALENA DAYEN, conducted by David Rosenmeyer. Follow Maria, a woman who leaves her small town on the outskirts of Buenos Aires to embark on a journey, not just to the big city, but within to the darkest depths of her soul. In this psychological thriller of mythical proportions, our heroine will confront her shadows, hell itself, and in the end be reborn a new Maria.

Originally Premiering May 8, 1968, Piazzolla innovatively wove together Tango, Opera, spoken word (often in Argentinian slang or, "lunfardo"), and projections to tell this rich and surreal story of a woman's departure, initiation and return. Her tale remains magically relevant today as a metaphor of a deep inner journey of transformation. Who are we? What do we need to face in order to change? Are we alone in this adventure?

Bare Opera's production will pay homage to Piazzolla's original vision with our signature modern twist. Technological advancements have allowed us to enhance the projections with interactive live feed being altered in real time by award-winning media artist SANGMIN CHAE to guide the audience through the surreal realm of the imagination where this story takes place. Juilliard trained contemporary choreographer TROY OGILVIE incorporates haunting movements for every performer inspired by Pina Bausch's Tanztheatre and Punchdrunk's immersive theatrical productions.

MALENA DAYEN is an opera singer born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the very neighborhood where Piazzolla lived. Ms. Dayen is also a Spanish music and tango specialist, performing this repertoire with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and in venues such as Carnegie Hall, and the Teatro Solis in Montevideo. She sang the title role in Piazzolla's María de Buenos Aires with Opera Naples in Florida and with Opera Hispanica in New York City. Dayen along with conductor David Rosenmeyer collaboratively run New Aires Tango, an ensemble that performs contemporary arrangements of tangos and boleros. Their repertoire is drawn mainly from the golden age of tango singers and writers, yet includes music from other styles such as folkloric Argentinean, Mexican, and Cuban songs to reflect on the lineages and influence of the Tango tradition.

The company of 6 is rounded out by MARCELO GUZZO as Payador, EUGENIA FORTEZA ensemble and Maria cover, SUCHAN KIM ensemble and Payador cover, and Mouna R'miki and DANIEL IRIZARRY sharing the role of Duende.

Maria de Buenos Aires is set to run April 5-7 at the Belleweather building 222 E. 46th St. (formerly known as the Blue Building), New York, New York. Tickets for General admission $25, VIP tickets are $55. www.bareopera.org

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