Performing Artservices, Inc. is set to revive “eL/Aficionado,” an opera by Robert Ashley on May 21-24, 2020 at New York Live Arts.

The opera, which was written in 1987, has not been performed since 1995. It is scored for four voices and an orchestra of electronic voices and tells the story of a person on trial for her character and the quality of her answers.

“Ashley’s composition has much of the dialogue sung in counterpoint, and with overlapping sequences that strain the audience’s capacity to direct their listening. Careful attention is rewarded, however: His use of language is rarely as “ordinary” as it is sometimes designated. Few speak as beautifully as Ashley’s characters,” said a review of the work by Catherine Damman of Artforum.

This production of the work will star Kayleigh Butcher as the Agent with Brian McCorkle as the First Interrogator, Bonnie Lander as the Second Interrogator, and Paul Pinto as the Third Interrogator.

Tom Hamilton will conduct and create the sound design and live mix. The light and stage design will be created by David Moodey.