Recently being the lead in SNU School of Music’s “Suor Angelica” and preparing for the Night of Opera was a whirlwind of emotions. It was a journey of personal and artistic discovery, intensified by the shared experiences of my fellow performers. This article explores my perspective as I navigated the complexities of my role, intertwined with the insights of a fellow student whose supporting role added depth to our collective performance. Together, we reflect on the challenges and triumphs that defined our Night of Opera.
Taking on the role of Sister Angelica was an exhilarating milestone for me, marking my first lead in a production. I am deeply honored that Professors Jeff and Rebekah Ambrosini entrusted me with this role, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity they provided. The most challenging yet profoundly rewarding aspects of portraying Sister Angelica were the scenes where she learns of her son’s death, leading to her fateful decision. Having never experienced such a profound loss, I had to delve deep into my emotions, striving to authentically convey her anguish.
Balancing the demands of school, rehearsals, and work has been exhausting, but the love for what I do keeps me going. My hope is that the audience felt everything, including Angelica’s grief, but also the peace she finds in her ascent to heaven, serving as a reminder that light always awaits at the end of even the darkest tunnels. To anyone aspiring to take on such a challenge, I would advise keeping your priorities straight, learning to set boundaries, and accepting that adulthood means honoring your commitments, even when it requires sacrificing some fun.
Hannah Elrod, who played the role of The Monitor, shared her experiences balancing this role along with her role in the musical “White Christmas” and other ensembles. “I love playing a bunch of roles, and honestly it is just a matter of getting in the mindset before I start rehearsal,” she said, highlighting her ability to transition between characters.
Elrod also emphasized the importance of prioritizing faith and personal well-being, noting that sometimes it means saying no. She cherished the opportunity to collaborate with experienced performers and appreciated the power of classical music to convey stories, stating, “It is really cool that we are able to tell a story through classical music.” Elrod hoped the audience would feel the profound love between Sister Angelica and her son, and while acknowledging the difficulty of balancing school and work, she affirmed, “To be able to create art with friends is a beautiful thing… but it is so worth it.”
Our journey through the Night of Opera was a deeply transformative experience. Filled with profound grief, ultimate redemption, and beautiful music, participating in this performance was challenging but rewarding. Ultimately, “Suor Angelica” stands as a testament to the dedication and passion required to create art with friends, making it a truly worthwhile endeavor.
Photo by: Brisa Lopez