Club will screen the ghostly ‘Turn of the Screw’
OPERA CLUB
The Opera Club will screen Benjamin Britten’s ghostly opera “The Turn of the Screw” on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3. Club President Margaret Gillon will introduce this Halloween-themed story, which is based on a novella of the same title by the author Henry James.
Haunting music accompanies the arrival of the governess at the estate of Bly to care for two children, Miles and Flora, whose uncle had hired her by mail and who had insisted that she not bother him with upcoming questions on their care. She is now asking herself, “O, why did I come?”
The governess also meets the housekeeper, Mrs. Grose, from whom she learns that Miles was just expelled from school. She then witnesses the shape of a man on the tower of the house who she learns is a former house valet, Peter Quint, who is accompanied by a former governess, Miss Jessel, both of whom are now deceased. The governess’ first response is to abandon the children, but she decides to stay as their guardian from these ghosts.
The governess is greatly distraught when Flora skips away to the lake and Miles steals her reluctantly written letter of concern to the uncle, before crying out with her dying breath “Peter Quint, you devil.” The story leaves the audience mulling on its ghastly happenings.
The production is in English with subtitles.
Attendees are invited to wear masks if desired. No dues or fees are collected.
For more information, contact Margaret Gillon at MargaretGi@ yahoo.com or 563-370-- 3844.
