Opera screened in a new location

OPERA CLUB

Everyone is invited to watch Bartok’s “Bluebeard’s Castle” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, in a new location, the Learning Center, located off the main meeting space of Clubhouse 3.

The story, based on folk tales about vampires in Transylvania, is written by Charles Perrault and set to scary music by the gifted Hungarian composer Bela Bartok.

Opera Club President Beverly Emus will introduce this rarely performed opera with a story that has regaled audiences from the time of Dracula to the Phantom. It has gained a meaning over the years by contrast- ing historical perceptions of masculine authority and power to feminine guile and strategy, The tale opens with a mature blue-bearded Duke showing his new enamorata Judith through his castle, giving her keys to the doors of seven rooms but cautioning her about door seven which is “off limits’ and never to be opened. When he goes off on a trip, Judith and the audience proceed to find out what is behind the seven doors with increasing musical suspense.

The production is in Hungarian with English subtitles. People are urged to wear masks for indoor events. No dues or fees are collected. For information, contact Beverly Emus at (562) 296-5586.