Kickstarter

To mark its fifth anniversary, Opera Vista, Houston’s resident contemporary opera company, is staging its most controversial opera to date. Written by composer Thomas Adès and librettist Philip Hensher, Powder Her Face is a witty and lusty tale of the Duchess of Argyll’s marriage, subsequent divorce, and final descent into penniless obscurity in the 60’s. Audience members may recognize her from the infamous “Headless Man” divorce scandal of 1963. More commonly referred to as “The Dirty Duchess”, the Duchess of Argyll is considered the Paris Hilton of her age and Adès’ opera is a colorfully accurate representation of this title. The opera examines how there is tragedy in even the most seemingly shallow and vain of lives.

Furthermore, Opera Vista is excited to announce that Sandra Bernhard, current director of HGOco and noted stage director in her own right, will be directing Powder Her Face. There are two opportunities to see the performance at Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center: November 10th and 11th at 8pm. Ticket prices are $20 and $40 and will be available for purchase through the Hobby Center website. Viswa Subbaraman, the production's artistic director, would like to warn audiences that this production would be rated “R” if operas were subjected to such a rating system, and to please carefully consider that fact if you are intending to bring children. For more information please contact Alex Lawler, Opera Vista Senior Production Intern at info@operavista.org or by calling 713.581.4442. 

Photo by Shannon Langman, courtesy of www.ShannonLangmanPhotography.com