The Handmaid’s Tale contains scenes of violence, misogyny, and sexual assault. In order to help you best prepare for the opera, please note that this synopsis contains plot details and events.

2021 AD. After multiple disasters cause environmental ruin and widespread infertility, the United States has been taken over by an extremist Christian sect and reborn as the Republic of Gilead, where women have been returned to their “rightful” place in society.
They are prohibited from holding property or working and are divided into a strict class system: Aunts are in charge of re- education and the enforcement of social codes, Marthas work as cooks and housekeepers, Wives are the property of elite men, and Handmaids are women designated to bear the children of the leaders of Gilead.
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also read about BLO’s 2019 Community Partnerships
with BARCC and Casa Myrna…

MARGARET ATWOOD

Author,
The Handmaid’s Tale

POUL RUDERS

Composer

PAUL BENTLEY

Librettist

CREATIVE TEAM

DAVID ANGUS

Conductor

ANNE BOGART*

Stage Director

SHURA BARYSHNIKOV*

Movement Director

JAMES SCHUETTE

Set & Costume Designer

BRIAN SCOTT*

Lighting Designer
(bio)

J JUMBELIC

Sound Designer

ADAM THOMPSON*

Video Designer

TOM WATSON

Wig-Makeup Designer
THIS PRODUCTION WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE
SPONSORSHIP OF THE HANDMAID’S CIRCLE. WE RECOGNIZE
AND THANK THEM FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THIS LANDMARK PRODUCTION.

We additionally thank the following sponsors:
Linda Cabot Black, with special support for David Angus, conductor
Sandra A. Urie & Frank F. Herron, with special support for Anne Bogart, stage director
Willa & Taylor Bodman, with special support for James Schuette, set & costume designer,
and Brian Scott, lighting designer
Susan & Dennis Shapiro, with special support for the Boston Lyric Opera Chorus

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA ORCHESTRA ANNIE RABBAT Concertmaster
BOSTON LYRIC OPERA CHORUS BRETT HODGDON‡ Chorus Master
REHEARSAL COACH/ACCOMPANIST NATHAN SALAZAR†
ASSISTANT STAGE DIRECTOR MIKHAELA MAHONY*
STAGE MANAGER CYNTHIA HENNON MARINO

CAST

JENNIFER JOHNSON CANO
Sponsored by Ms. RoAnn Costin
Mezzo-Soprano

OFFRED

CAROLINE WORRA
Sponsored by Abigail B. Mason
Soprano

AUNT LYDIA

KATHRYN SKEMP MORAN
Soprano

JANINE – OFWARREN

CHELSEA BASLER‡
Sponsored by Miguel and Suki de Bragança
Soprano

MOIRA

MARIA ZIFCHAK*
Sponsored by Alicia Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Mezzo-Soprano

SERENA JOY

JAMES RICARDO MILORD*
Actor

TV PRESENTER

FELICIA GAVILANES‡
Sponsored by Alicia Cooney & Stephen Quigley
Mezzo-Soprano

THE DOUBLE (OFFRED IN THE TIME BEFORE)

JESSE DARDEN‡**
Sponsored by Gerard & Sherryl Cohen
Tenor

LUKE

LYNN TORGOVE
Mezzo-Soprano

RITA

MICHELLE TRAINOR‡
Sponsored by Janet & Irv Plotkin
Soprano

OFGLEN

DANA BETH MILLER
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Timothy & Jessica Donohue
Mezzo-Soprano

OFFRED’S MOTHER

MATTHEW DIBATTISTA
Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. E. Lee Perry
Tenor

THE DOCTOR

OMAR NAJMI‡
Sponsored by Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Anita Loscalzo
Tenor

NICK

DAVID CUSHING‡
Sponsored by Allison K. Ryder & David B. Jones
Baritone

THE COMMANDER

VERA SAVAGE‡
Mezzo-Soprano

NEW OFGLEN
OFFRED & LUKE’S DAUGHTER

SAMANTA WILLISTON* (MAY 5 & 10)
BEATRICE EDDY* (MAY 8 & 12)

HANDMAIDS, AUNTS, GUARDS, ETC.

CHELSEA BACCAY
JESSICA JOHNSON BROCK†
Sponsored by Mr. Edward J. Leary
JORGEANDRÉS CAMARGO
FRED FURNARI
HEATHER GALLAGHER‡
KIRSTEN HART
TAYLOR HORNER
JAIME KORKOS
CHRIS MAHER
MICHAEL MILLER
BRIANNA J. ROBINSON†
VANESSA SCHUKIS
EMMA SORENSON‡

*Boston Lyric Opera Debut
†Boston Lyric Opera Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artist
‡Boston Lyric Opera Jane and Steven Akin Emerging Artist Alumnus
**Principal Artist-in-Residence

 

Harvard University Ray Lavietes Pavilion

45 North Harvard Street, Boston

Harvard University Ray Lavietes Pavilion

The Handmaid’s Tale will be staged in a gymnasium that recalls the infamous Red Center from Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel

Harvard’s refurbished and rededicated arena for men’s and women’s basketball – The Ray ’36 and Estelle Lavietes Pavilion, formerly called the Briggs Athletic Center – stands among the most historic venues in the sport. The facility underwent multiphase renovation in recent years, completing its transformation prior to the 2017-18 season.

Learn more about how we’ve redesigned spaces to create immersive productions
BLO Blog: Transforming Spaces for Opera

ACCESSIBILITY
The Lavietes Pavilion can accommodate both wheelchair and companion seating. Restrooms are located on the main level. Assisted listening devices are available at the box office.

COAT CHECK
Please note there will not be a coat check of any kind for this production.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
Concessions will be served at all performances, including sandwiches & wraps, light bites, and desserts. Beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase.

This is not a Harvard University event and is not controlled, presented, or supervised by Harvard University or any of its schools or programs.

Study Guide

For press images, please visit
The Handmaid’s Tale Media Kit

Cast Photos