May 30, 2012
VIKTOR ULLMANN'S DER KAISER VON ATLANTIS OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS

UCSD's fresh production of Viktor Ullmann's Der Kaiser von Atlantis opened to rave reviews on May 30 (it will also be performed June 1 and June 2 at 7 pm). U-T San Diego arts critic James Chute was fascinated with Ullmann's score and Peter Klein's libretto, "hovering between satire and seriousness," and he praised Susan Narucki's subtle and balanced direction. Ullmann penned Der Kaiser in 1943, while interred in the concentration camp Theresienstadt. When the opera's obvious references to the Nazi regime were discovered during rehearsal, the work was banned; it had tragic consequences for the composer and his family. Miraculously, the work survived. The story is a sort of fable. After a protracted and violent war, Death discovers that his job has been taken away from him by Der Kaiser. Death decides to go on strike; all of a sudden the concept of war, victory and defeat becomes irrelevant. The result is moving and heartbreaking. The cast includes sopranos Tiffany Du Mouchelle, Bonnie Lander and Alice Teyssier, guest artists Vince Vincent, Gerald Seminatore and Ryan Reithmeier, and UCSD Professor Philip Larson in the role of Death. The production team also includes Orli Nativ, costume designer (UCSD Department of Theater and Dance), as well as scenic designer Gaeun Kim. The production is an initiative of kallisti, whose mission includes presenting works of modern music theater in an intimate setting, led by Susan Narucki. Box Office: (858) 534-3448. Tickets also available at the door. A full house is expected, so we suggest that you arrive early.

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