Henry James' classic novella "The Turn of the Screw" is coming to the stage in opera form. But first, this: The disturbing ghost story, published in 1898, has long been the subject of literary criticism and varied interpretations.
Essentially, the ambiguous plot centers around a governess, her two charges (a boy and a girl) and a housekeeper who reside in a British country mansion. It's the governess's obsession that the children have become possessed by the spirits of two dead lovers – those of the governess's predecessor and a former household manservant named Quint. In trying to save the children from the perceived evil, the governess … well, let's stop there.
The Sacramento Opera will stage "Turn" at 8 p.m. Feb. 22, 2 p.m. Feb. 24 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L St. Tickets are $15 to $110 (916-808-5181 or www.tickets.com). The two hour-plus production will be sung in English, with English super- titles. Information: (916) 737-1000, www.sacopera.org.
There's more: "Turn" has been adapted to the stage and to film many times. One such was the 1961 movie "The Innocents," starring Deborah Kerr, with the screenplay by Truman Capote. The opera is sponsoring a screening at 2 p.m. today at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St. Tickets at the door are $10.
And: Sacramento Opera executive director Rod Gideons will host a discussion about the upcoming opera and the story at 7 p.m. Feb. 2 at Borders Books, 2339 Fair Oaks Blvd.; (916) 564-0168. Featured will be a live performance by a singer and a pianist.
One more: Opera artistic director Timm Rolek will discuss the upcoming opera and the story at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St. Tickets are $7 and $10. It will include a live performance by a star of the production.
The Bee's Allen Pierleoni can be reached at (916) 321-1128 or apierleoni@sacbee.com. Contact him with news of coming literary events that are open to the public.
