Winter heat

Devilish fun: A party in Hades. (NIck Pearce Photo)

The Dalhousie Department of Music invites you to shake off the winter blues and come out for an evening at the opera. Dal's Opera Workshop presents Orpheus in The Underworld from Thursday, Feb. 5 to Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Dalhousie Arts Centre. The performance features voice students from the Department of Music and production design from the Department of Theatre.

SEE PHOTOS: Orpheus in the Underworld

Orpheus in the Underworld is one of Jacques Offenbach's best known operas. His irreverent parody puts a twist on the classical Greek myth of Orpheus in pursuit of his wife Eurydice, who has been carried off to Hades. Producer Marcia Swanston says Offenbach used farce to poke fun at the establishment.

"It's not just slapstick though—it catches you off guard with all of its references," she says. "The wonderful translation by Jeremy Sams makes you laugh out loud; it's just so witty."

The production is double cast, featuring a large number of student singers.

Ms. Swanston, who is a professor in the Department of Music, says putting on the opera offers students an incredible learning experience.

"They learn how a character develops from beginning to end, they learn stagecraft, how to act out a role, how to move their bodies, and how to sing in general, even if they don't want to go into music. It really builds their confidence."

Evening performances will run from Thursday, Feb. 5 through Sunday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.

"I think it will be a lot of fun," says Ms. Swanston. "It's good to take in a such a lively, refreshing evening, especially in the middle of winter."