Handel's 'Julius Caesar' premieres tonight

Tonight the IU Opera will perform George Friderick Handel's "Julius Caesar," an opera that tells the story of Caesar's affair with Cleopatra that resulted in her being made queen of Egypt. Dr. George Calder, head of IU's opera department, said the opera (first produced in 1724 in London) is the most popular of Handel's 35 operas. The story, which is based on actual events, is a tale of political intrigue and a woman's use of her charms to gain power. It may be historical, but "The plot is eternal. It could take place as much today as 2000 years ago," Calder said.\nIt is this view that has prompted designer Robert O'Hearn to choose a "strong and abstract" stage design. \n"'Julius Caesar' is a Baroque opera that tells the story of a Roman in Egypt," O'Hearn said. "But we didn't want the design to reflect any period. We wanted rather to emphasize the timelessness of the story."\nThe costumes are designed to fit the characters rather than reflect accuracy. For example, Caesar does not wear the typical Roman soldier dress, and Cleopatra's costume is high fashion. The stage decoration consists only of six large obelisks, but moving and turning them and the use of projections convey scene changes. \n"It is more effective to do more with less," said O'Hearn.\nStefano Vizioli, the guest stage director, also played an important role in the production. "The baroque opera has a very strict form, so it is a major task to breathe life into it," Calder said. "Mr. Vizioli has done a miraculous job of this." \nVizioli has worked with the cast members and their execution of the parts. He said he tries to bring out character through the music and not the words, as well as treating the cast as actors, not singers. \n"Operatic singing should only be 90-percent precise, but it's that 10-percent that allows the singers to personalize their performance of the roles," Vizoli said. \nBased on this personal approach, Vizioli praised both casts and said he looks forward to their performance.\nDavid Effron will conduct the orchestra.\n"This opera is one of the most beautiful of all Baroque operas," he said. "It also has some of the most advanced harmonies and theater techniques, like a backstage orchestra and chorus." \nThe extremely good performances at the dress rehearsals allowed Effron to anticipate great success this coming weekend, he said.\nHandel's "Julius Caesar" will be performed in Italian with English subtitles on Oct. 25 to 26 and Nov. 1 to 2. Tickets are still available for all performances. For more information visit www.music.indiana.edu/opera.