Marble City Opera presents “The Stronger” by Hugo Weisgall

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Marble City Opera returns to its chamber opera roots with a production of “The Stronger” by Hugo Weisgall 8 p.m. with doors open at 6:30 p.m. May 18-19 at Holly’s Gourmet Market. Tickets are $20.

In this operatic adaptation of August Strindberg’s one act play, two actresses (Estelle and Lisa) meet by chance in a quiet uptown bar. The two women, once close friends, are now apparent romantic rivals thanks to the alleged philandering of Estelle’s husband Harold.

Estelle jumps at the opportunity to vent the full fury of her frustrations at the woman whom she suspects to be her husband’s mistress and launches into an emotional tirade. Lisa weathers the onslaught and remains completely silent, exerting her own quiet power by refusing to either confirm or deny the many accusations being hurled her way. Though Estelle declares herself the victor by the piece’s end, the declaration rings hollow and the audience is left to decide for themselves which of the women is actually “the stronger.”

This subtle struggle for dominance between the two is the point of the entire work, and in Weisgall’s score the tension and raw emotion are masterfully woven together to form something intimate and beautiful.

There is a special dinner (with a separate price) available for the occasion and doors will open at 6:30pm for ticket holders to allow them a chance to partake before the show.

Tickets are general admission and may be purchased either at the door or online.

For tickets and more information, visit www.MarbleCityOpera.com.

# # #