On Friday, Nov. 22, "The Rake's Progress" was presented by the University of Memphis and Opera Memphis in the Rudi E. Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center.
Composed by Igor Stravinsky, this 1951 opera is based on a libretto by British American poet W. H. Auden and tells the fascinating story of Tom Rakewell, a young man who inherits a fortune and abandons his hometown sweetheart, Anne Trulove, for the big-city pleasures of life in London. Rakewell is enthralled with the idea that he is destined for greatness, with his devilish companion, Nick Shadow, encouraging him, Tom trades his soul in exchange for fame and influence.
The title of “The Rake’s Progress” itself alludes to the theme of the show, which also means “A Reckless Course.” Throughout the opera’s three acts, the audience watches as Tom Rakewell slowly loses touch with reality and his morals as he falls deeper into madness and delusion.
As far as what this experience was like for the performers, Caroline Davis, a UofM student in the ensemble, said, “My experience working in collaboration with Opera Memphis and the school of music was fulfilling. Stravinsky’s Rake’s Progress is a difficult show to perform, especially because of the dark themes. I feel that the director made it very clear what he wanted, and my cast mates and I gave it our all to
be as demented and cunning as possible. I am grateful to have been a part of this unique show.”
Upcoming performances at the Scheidt include the Blue Tom Records Open Mic Night Dec. 4 at 7pm, University of Memphis Symphonic Band’s "Music Unites Us” Dec. 4 at 7pm, Bluff City Wind Symphony’s "Song and Dance" Dec. 16 at 7pm, and the University of Memphis Honor Choir featuring the University Singers Jan. 30-31 at 1pm.
