Monsters and Prodigies: A History of the Castrati by Teatro de Ciertos Habitantes February 5, 2009

In the 18th century, the castrati, “sacred monsters” whose voices were surgically molded, represented a peak of artistry. Monsters and Prodigies is about this fascinating cultural phenomenon: talented child singers born in poverty who were castrated to preserve their soprano voices, and propelled to stardom in the frivolous courts of Europe. Directed by Claudio Valdés Kuri and written by Jorge Kuri for Mexico City’s internationally acclaimed Teatro de Ciertos Habitantes, Monsters is theatrical opera with mass-audience appeal—a colorful and often humorous three-century journey from the decadent extremes of the Baroque period to the technological 20th century, where beauty has been annihilated by reason. With a “precise and wild gaze,” Ciertos Habitantes infuses life into one of the most sublime mysteries in history. Secure your tickets now for this virtuoso theater troupe’s YBCA debut.

Who:
Teatro de Ciertos Habitantes

Where:
Novellus Theater at YBCA, 700 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103

Public Info:
415.978.2787 or ybca.org
$30 Regular; $25 YBCA Member/ Student/ Senior/ Teacher

Official Website: http://www.ybca.org