1. It's an artist-driven vision.
Enchanted Woods: Shakespeare & Song is the next chapter of our artist-driven Hampton Opera Center series (began during the pandemic), this time curated by the incomparable soprano Katrina Galka. An alumna of the Portland Opera Resident Artist Program, Portland audiences will remember Katrina's performances in Rigoletto, The Italian Girl in Algiers, Sweeney Todd, The Magic Flute, The Elixir of Love, Show Boat, and Carmen. Recent credits include performances with Bayesterische Staatsoper, Opernhaus Zurich, Staatsoper Hamburg, and Arizona Opera.
2. To be immersed in the magical world of the forest.
In Shakespeare's canon, the forest is often a place of magic, transformation, madness, and love. We'll explore this literary environment as an immersive space—delighting in the forces of nature and humanity reflected in story and song as we enter and inhabit the forest.
3. Eat a picnic? At the opera?
Yes! Food and beverage are part of this celebration: you'll pick up your picnic basket as you enter the forest, and enjoy sweet and savory treats as you savor the music and poetry of the evening.
3. Celebrate the Bard with our friends and neighbors.
This production is curated in partnership with “Shakespeare's First Folio: 1623–2023”, a public humanities project at Portland State University in collaboration with other regional arts organizations recognizing and celebrating Shakespeare’s legacy.
5. To soak in beautiful music in an intimate space.
This program features adaptations of Shakespeare in opera and art song from the 20th century. We'll enjoy the works of Benjamin Britten, Betsy Jackson King, and other celebrated composers, as we travel through As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Tempest, and more. All within the walls of the our black box theater, where you'll witness the artistry up close.