ART Presents DEATH AND THE POWERS: THE ROBOT'S OPERA, 3/18-25

When the eccentric patriarch Simon Powers departs his physical being and downloads himself into The System, his house assumes his immortal presence around his family and friends...

So begins DEATH AND THE POWERS, a groundbreaking new opera created by Tod Machover and his Opera of the Future Group at the MIT Media Lab, which receives its North American premiere at the American Repertory Theater. Performances take place at the Cutler Majestic Theater in Boston on March 18 (press opening), March 20, March 22, and March 25.

DEATH AND THE POWERS is a one-act, full-length work which tells the story of Simon Powers, a rich, successful inventor, who wishes to perpetuate his existence beyond the decay of his physical being. Reaching the end of his life, Powers uses his vast resources and devises a way to 'download' himself into his environment. This transformation turns every object in his surroundings-such as his books, furniture and walls-into a collective, living version of himself, called The System. His family, friends and business associates are left to explore how this transformation impacts their relationships and ability to move forward with their own lives and legacies. DEATH AND THE POWERS introduces specially designed technology and an animated set-including a chorus of robots and a musical chandelier.

The libretto for DEATH AND THE POWERS is written by U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, story by Pinsky and Randy Weiner and directed by Diane Paulus, with choreography by Karole Armitage. Production design is by Alex McDowell, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Donald Holder, sound design by Chris Full, visual and software design by Peter Torpey, media design by Matt Checkowski, and sound technology by Ben Bloomberg. The music is performed by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, conducted by Gil Rose.

Developed by Machover's Opera of the Future Group at the MIT Media Lab, DEATH AND THE POWERS sets itself apart from other operas with pioneering performance technologies. The stage is a vast, interconnected, intelligent ‘System' of Powers' continuing presence. As the opera progresses, the set ‘comes alive' with Simon's thoughts, feelings and memories through a new technique called Disembodied Performance which uses innovative sensors and analysis software to translate James Maddalena's sounds and gestures into the behavior of the set. The customized audio system boasts 143 separate speakers, which allows for a 'mini' surround sound system in each of the boxes and balconies. In coordination with his first-rate production team, Machover actively participates in the performance from his seat in the opera house. Working with a customized iPad, Machover literally keeps technology at his fingertips -- allowing him to make subtle electronic, robotic and acoustic changes throughout the opera so as to further enhance and refine all aspects of the live concert experience. In addition to the animatronic set, the opera employs several other inventions developed especially for the production including: a chorus of ‘Operabots' which narrate and react to the story; and a spectacular musical Chandelier, comprised of long Teflon strings which resonate through remotely actuated electromagnets as well as on-stage performers plucking, strumming and dampening the strings.

Performances are:
Friday, March 18 at 7:30pm
Sunday, March 20 at 3:00pm
Tuesday, March 22 at 7:30pm
Friday, March 25 at 7:30pm

Cutler Majestic Theatre at Emerson College
219 Tremont St. Boston

Tickets begin at $25. Seniors $5 off regular ticket price. Group Rates available. On Line: https://www.aestages.org Phone: 617-824-8000

Recommended for 12-year olds and above. Run time is 90 minutes, no intermission.

Photo by: JoNathan Williams

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