welcome
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Welcome to Pullman Yards. A brand new immersive experience for us and you, our audience. The pandemic has taught us so much about transforming a found space into a theatrical environment. Our talented technical team was able to convert a deserted baseball field into a magical circus tent where full-scale operas were performed. Now we are entering a new phase: turning a dilapidated warehouse into the chic Kit Kat Klub. At the Opera, we believe anything is possible with a little courage and imagination. We are pushing the boundaries not only with our environment, but also with repertory choices. We have programmed many popular cross-over pieces over the past few years. From West Side Story to Sweeney Todd and The Threepenny Opera, we have experimented with different musical styles. However,Cabaret is new territory for us, and again, it emerged from the pandemic. During the tent series, we forged groundbreaking partnerships with diverse artists: dancers, puppeteers, actors, and circus performers. These experiences led us to some of the most unlikely, memorable theatrical and musical moments we have ever experienced. We are taking this vital synergy a step further and presenting a piece that will truly celebrate these artists’ diverse talents: the musical Cabaret presented alongside the new opera, As One. As the leader of an opera company, I believe in challenging expectations—not because I don’t value and revere the operatic tradition, but because it takes us into something even more fundamental about this 400-year-old craft. Opera has always defied convention to reveal the truth, be it political, social, or psychological. Opera takes us into the human heart and does so with a shocking level of poignancy and clarity. If we can achieve this by staging new productions in the ruins of a 20th century industry, I say, why not? I’m especially pleased to bring these shows to the historic Kirkwood neighborhood, a burgeoning community that boasts wine shops, craft beer, and a massive Easter egg hunt. The Atlanta Opera is here to demonstrate that the Opera belongs to the community, and it belongs in the community. It has a singular capacity to say important things about our lives. And it’s a whole lot of fun. I hope you enjoy the shows. And if you like us, tell your friends and come back for more. Because if you think tonight’s production is something special, wait ‘til you see what we have in store for next season.
Tomer Zvulun Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. General & Artistic Director
