Eastman Opera Theatre Presents: In a Grove

Inspired by Japanese author Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s short story and Akira Kurosawa’s acclaimed film Rashōmon, In a Grove unfolds as a haunting, nonlinear investigation into the disappearance of a young woman and the murder of her husband in a burned Oregon forest. Set in 1921, the story is told by a string of unreliable narrators—witnesses offering conflicting accounts of what happened to the girl. “The crux of this show is the fallibility of memory,” comments director Joelle Lachance ’25E (DMA). “It bends the truth until you believe that what you ‘remember’ is what actually happened.” This is Lachance’s second directorial project with EOT and she is the first student to helm an opera presented in Kilbourn Hall. She recently earned a doctorate in Vocal Performance and Literature and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Stage Direction. Due to sensitive subject matter involving violence and sexual assault, this opera is not recommended for children.

Music by Christopher Cerrone; Libretto by Stephanie Fleischmann
Directed by Joelle Lachance; Conducted by Timothy Long
Sung in English with chamber orchestra

This production contains depictions of sexual violence, theatrical haze (fake smoke/fog), gunshot sound effects, and strobe lighting effects.

In a Grove on 10/31:
There will be a talk-back immediately following the performance to discuss the production. This conversation will include composer Chris Cerrone, librettist Stephanie Fleischmann, director Joelle Lachance, and music director Tim Long.

Find out more about In a Grove from director Joelle Lachance, conductor Timothy Long, and student performer Emma Wilansky watch Link.