November 21, 2005 – Sylvia Bierschenk

Salzburg Marionettes to bring wonder and awe to SFA

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - "Wonder and awe" will fill the W.M. Turner Auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 29, according to Richard Berry, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Stephen F. Austin State University. The world-famous Salzburg Marionettes will be presenting W.A. Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" at 7:30 p.m. as part of the University Series.

The opera itself has a magical story that intertwines good overcoming evil, the romances between two pairs of lovers, and characters performing feats to prove their worth.

"Combine those plots with the illusionary world of a marionette theater, and you've got a perfect formula for a magical evening," continued Berry.

The Salzburg Marionettes were founded in 1913 by sculptor Anton Aicher, and since then, the company has been fascinating audiences around the world with its life-like marionettes. The company is currently under the direction of Aicher's granddaughter, Gretl, one of the extensively trained puppeteers pulling the strings.

"We have had several calls from patrons who have seen the company perform either in Salzburg or elsewhere and are excited about having the opportunity to see them again," said Diane Flynn, Box Office manager.

"First-hand accounts and press releases all emphasize the marionettes' realistic movements and the range of emotions they are able to convey," said Sylvia Bierschenk, SFA Arts Information director.

According to The Los Angeles Times, the marionettes "bob and weave, bow and curtsy, fight and dance, hop and fly over obstacles--all to enact and illuminate the music in ways you wouldn't think possible."

The actual music of the opera--orchestration and singing--is provided through a recording. The dialogue between the scenes is spoken by members of the Salzburg Playhouse Company.

"With the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth occurring in 2006, we wanted to bring this very special performance of the opera to Nacogdoches," said Berry.

The event is sponsored in part by Lehmann Eye Center. The College of Fine Arts will honor the corporate sponsor with a 6:45 p.m. reception in Griffith Gallery prior to the performance. At 7 p.m., Berry will give an informative talk about the opera.

Tickets are $30 for A seating, $24 for B seating and $15 for C seating, with discounts available for seniors, students and children. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.