"Watch the Witch Part 1" is a thrilling and captivating movie that falls under the genre of fantasy and adventure. The film follows the story of a young witch named Lila who embarks on a dangerous and magical journey to save her kingdom from an evil sorcerer. The movie begins with Lila discovering her hidden powers as a witch, which had been passed down through generations in her family. She is initially unsure of how to harness and control her powers, but with the guidance of her wise grandmother and the support of her friends, Lila begins to learn and strengthen her abilities. However, Lila's world takes a dark turn when a powerful sorcerer named Malachi rises to power and threatens to conquer the kingdom with his dark magic. Determined to protect her loved ones and her home, Lila sets out on a quest to find the ancient Book of Shadows, a powerful artifact that holds the key to defeating Malachi.
Cost:
General Admission $45
Seniors 65+ $30
Any Students $20
Group (10+) $40
The role of the Queen of the Night numbers among the most famous in opera and her two coloratura arias O Zittre Nicht Mein Lieber Sohn Do not Tremble My Dear Son and especially Der Hölle Rache the Infernal Vengeance have become nothing short of legendary. Under Linda Brovsky s direction, this production speaks directly to our current societal pressures, where young people must find their way in a confusing, divisive world.
Determined to protect her loved ones and her home, Lila sets out on a quest to find the ancient Book of Shadows, a powerful artifact that holds the key to defeating Malachi. Throughout her journey, Lila encounters various magical creatures, battles with dark forces, and faces numerous challenges that test her courage and determination. Along the way, she also discovers the importance of friendship, teamwork, and believing in oneself.
Portland State Opera to Present "The Magic Flute"
The Magic Flute's The Three Ladies, Krista Schaeffer, Isabella Kerr Moore, and Christina Mata (l-r). Photo by Chad Lanning.
At PSU, spring brings flowers, milder temperatures, and a delightful full-scale, world-class opera production on our main stage. This year, Portland State University Opera presents Mozart’s final opera, “The Magic Flute,” April 21 through April 30, 2023.
PSU Opera, the nationally recognized opera training program of the PSU School of Music & Theater, performs the singspiel in its original German. With a score by the legendary composer and a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, Mozart’s beloved “The Magic Flute” is a celebration of truth, courage, sacrifice and love as the true path to enlightenment. PSU’s production is helmed by internationally known opera director Linda Brovsky.
PSU’s “The Magic Flute” invites audiences into a medieval, high-fantasy realm, rich with mystical, gothic visual themes and filled with terrifying serpents, mischievous fairies and charming forest animals. The dashing Tamino and his bird-catching sidekick Papageno find themselves facing a life-changing challenge issued by the Queen of the Night: to rescue her daughter, the beautiful princess Pamina, who has been imprisoned by the evil sorcerer Sarastro. Armed with little more than a magic flute and an unshakeable commitment to true love, Tamino and Papageno embark on a journey to find the princess. Along the way, they discover that not all is as it appears in this mysterious realm. Pamina and Tamino soon fall in love, and together they face grueling trials that test their steadfastness in a battle of good against evil. The full synopsis for “The Magic Flute” can be found here.
The last opera Mozart would write, “The Magic Flute” (Die Zauberflöte) premiered in late September 1791 in Vienna, Austria. He passed away at age 35, just over two months after conducting its first performance, capping a brief life and spectacularly prolific musical career. Widely considered to be one of the most gifted composers in the history of classical music, Mozart wrote more than 800 works, ranging from operas to symphonies, concertos, chamber music and masses. Opera in Mozart’s time was typically performed for the aristocracy, and Mozart himself was in the employ of one such aristocrat, Salzburg’s Archbishop Colloredo. The young musician strained against the confines of this employment, however, and struck out on his own, writing and staging concerts and works that proved popular with audiences and dazzled his contemporaries. However, despite his prolific output and recognized brilliance, Mozart reached the end of his life in a state of poverty – a far cry from the wealthy aristocrats who had sponsored him.
Schikaneder and Mozart created “The Magic Flute” as a work for the Austrian people, using the vernacular German instead of Italian and tailoring the opera to the general public. Both were followers of the Freemasons, who embraced the ideals of liberty, virtue, knowledge and enlightenment, challenging the status quo and taking power from the aristocracy. The opera is filled with Masonic symbolism, including the temple, purification rituals, and repeated occurrences of the number of three throughout the work.
“‘The Magic Flute’ emphasizes the ideas of sacrifice, rationality, beauty and love,” said Kelley Nassief, PSU’s Director of Opera and Opera Studios. “It explores how we can use our own agency and sense of hope to find our way out of the darkness. Under Linda Brovsky’s direction, this production speaks directly to our current societal pressures, where young people must find their way in a confusing, divisive world.”
“It also features some of the most recognizable and loved opera music of all time, with an ingenious score that includes everything from folk music to elegant and refined pieces, to brilliant harmonics that foretell the romantic era,” Nassief said.
Stage director Linda Brovsky leads a cast of talented, accomplished young singers in the beloved comedic opera. Brovsky has directed productions on operatic stages across North America, including the San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, and many more. A sought-after mentor and teacher of young singers, she has directed productions for Yale University, the Manhattan School of Music and San Francisco Opera’s Merola program, in addition to leading scenes programs at Carnegie Mellon University and Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Program.
For this production, Brovsky is collaborating with an accomplished creative team, including Dr. Chuck Dillard, Music Director; Lawrence Larsen, Set Designer; Peter West, Lighting Designer; and Paige Hanna, Costume Designer. The PSU Orchestra, conducted by Chuck Dillard, will accompany the performers.
About Portland State Opera
Established in 1977, Portland State University Opera is a world-class professional training ground for students in the vocal arts, and one of few in the United States that offers both undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to take on leading roles in full-scale opera productions. Alumni of PSU’s vocal arts program have established professional careers with roles on Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera and beyond.
If You Go
Performances of "The Magic Flute" will take place as follows:
When:
Friday, April 21, 2022, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 30, 2023, 3:00 p.m.
Where:
Lincoln Performance Hall
1620 SW Park Avenue
Portland, Oregon
Run time is approximately three hours, with one intermission. Pre-show talks will be held starting one hour before each performance.
Each performance will be visually translated with English text projected above the stage.
Tickets ($45 general, $30 senior [65 and over], $20 student, $40 group ticket [10 tickets or more]) may be purchased at the PSU Box Office or by calling 503-725-3307.
She loathes Sarastro and covets his power, but it is hinted that the sorrow of widowhood and the bitterness of being deprived of the Circle of the Sun drove her to the deep end. Judging from how her subjects praise her, she seems to be a good ruler. While her actions are inexcusable, she fights for what she regards as her right to own and rule.
As the first part of the series, "Watch the Witch Part 1" sets the stage for an epic adventure filled with magical twists and turns. The movie not only explores the fantasy elements of witchcraft and magic but also touches upon themes of bravery, resilience, and the power of unity. The cinematography and visual effects in the film are spectacular, bringing to life the magical world of witches and sorcery. The engaging storyline, strong character development, and thrilling action sequences keep the viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what will happen next. "Watch the Witch Part 1" is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and adventure movies. It offers a perfect blend of magic, mystery, and excitement, leaving the audience wanting more. With its captivating story and well-executed visuals, the movie is sure to entertain and enchant viewers of all ages..
Reviews for "The Psychological Journey of the Protagonist in 'The Witch: Part 1"
- John - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with "Watch the Witch Part 1". The storyline was confusing and lacked any depth. The characters were underdeveloped and their motives seemed questionable at best. The pacing was sluggish, and I found myself getting bored halfway through. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time watching this film.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Watch the Witch Part 1" based on the trailer, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The plot was convoluted, making it difficult to follow and stay engaged. The acting was mediocre, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Additionally, the special effects were subpar, making some scenes appear cheap and unimpressive. Overall, it was a lackluster film that failed to deliver on its promises.
- Michael - 1.5 stars - "Watch the Witch Part 1" was a disappointment from start to finish. The storyline was confusing and felt disjointed, leaving me with more questions than answers. The acting was mediocre, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters. The film lacked any real suspense or scares, making it quite dull. I can't recommend this movie to anyone looking for a thrilling and satisfying horror experience.