Opera Tennes see presents "The Consul," an immigration story that still resonates.

MENOTTI’S STORY OF IMMIGRATION STILL RELEVANT 60 YEARS LATER

TODAY-SUNDAY

Opera Tennessee will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul” in three performances this weekend at First Christian Church, 650 McCallie Ave.

Performances are scheduled today, May 11, and Saturday, May 13, at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, May 14.

The three- act opera tells the story of political dissident John Sorel, on the run from European police. Wife Magda and his mother hide him, and although the police search their home, they don’t f ind him. John plans to escape to the border and tells Magda to apply for a visa and leave the country. But things don’t go as planned.

This gripping look at what it means to be a displaced person premiered in 1950, but resonates with today’s controversy surrounding refugees.

“We’ve looked at this opera for quite some time and decided this season was the time to present it, in part because of the political climate,” says Sara Snider Schone, artistic director.

“It is a powerful work. We want people to come to the show and leave thinking about their own place in the world and how they would handle being in the characters’ shoes.”

Opera Tennessee (formerly known as Artisti Affamati) takes pride in performing opera in unusual venues and featuring regional talent, says Schone.

Directed by Allan Ledford, this cast includes Kirsten Kunkle, Scott Willis, Kristie Hockman McCarthy, Peter Johnson, Beth DuRoy, Tricia Logsdon, April Lane, Jason Canter, Kim Thompson, Josh Golden and Schone.

They portray a wide array of characters, most of whom are waiting for their visas to be approved.

There will be a panel discussion, open to all ticketholders, one hour prior to curtain on opening and closing performances. The discussion will consider “The Consul” in relation to current and historical events. Representatives from Bridge Refugee Services and Mad Priest Coffee will be present before the show to discuss their work in the Chattanooga area.

General admission is $ 20, student and senior adult tickets are $15. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Bridge Refugee Services.

More information and tickets are available at www.operatn.org.

PHOTO BY REGGIE THOMAS Scott Willis and Kirsten Kunkle.