Portland State University’s Opera program will present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” from April 17 through April 26 at Lincoln Performance Hall, according to a Mar. 25 announcement. The production, directed by Layna Chianakas, reimagines the classic opera buffa within a mystical forest setting filled with wizards and fairies.
The new staging aims to make the story more accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences while staying true to the original libretto. Kelley Nassief, PSU Opera’s program director, said, “With this reimagining of ‘Così fan tutte,’ our stage director Layna Chianakas has created a new environment that feels more like Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ than the aristocratic courts of the 18th century. We remain true to the original libretto, but we have freshened up the storyline with a few delicious dramatic twists that render the show simply irresistible for our modern audiences.”
The opera follows Don Alfonso as he bets two young men that their fiancées will be unfaithful if tempted. The plot unfolds with disguises and deceptions orchestrated by Don Alfonso and Despina, challenging traditional ideas about love and fidelity. The sisters ultimately make an unexpected choice celebrating their independence.
“Così fan tutte” premiered in Vienna in January 1790 but was performed infrequently during much of its history due to concerns over its themes of infidelity and sexual intrigue. It was not until social attitudes began shifting in the early twentieth century that it became more widely staged.
Today, critics often debate its portrayal of gender roles; however, PSU’s production emphasizes personal growth and autonomy without altering Mozart’s original text. Nassief said, “Our students are having a wonderful time staging this work and singing its timeless score of unparalleled genius. It perfectly showcases their voices and dramatic capabilities in a ‘Così fan tutte’ like no other.”
The cast features McKayla Sherman and Serena Mason as Fiordiligi; Angela Tinio and Holly Freiberg as Dorabella; Jere Burkholder and Andrew Walton as Ferrando; Joey Sousa and Felipe Araya as Guglielmo; Katie Erb, Laurien Zahn, Kathryn Thomas as Despina; Izaak Thoms as Don Alfonso. Tickets are available online for performances scheduled between April 17–26.
