Lulu

Lulu, one of the great operas of the twentieth century, written by Alban Berg in the late 1920s and early 1930s, deals with themes of fragility, impossibility, and the fragmentation of desire. William Kentridge’s multilayered production stars charismatic soprano Marlis Petersen in the title role—the enigmatic and alluring woman who is equal parts femme fatale, innocent girl, and abused victim. “Kentridge stands out in the world of theater projection, largely because he hand draws so many of his projections with variety, freshness, and genius. . . . Most of the projections in Lulu use Kentridge’s drawings done in German Expressionist style. Like Picasso and Matisse, Kentridge can knock off drawings in a variety of styles with an amazing facility” (Ann McCoy, Brooklyn Rail).