May 22 An Alternate Tyranny and Timeline in Handel’s “Silla” Posted on May 22, 2019 by gilliandaniels Presented by The Cambridge Chamber EnsembleMusic by G.F. HandelLibretto by Giacomo RossiMusic Directed by Juliet CunninghamStage Directed by Ingrid OslundProduced/Executive Direction/Translation by Martha BirnbaumRossana Chung, violinRob Bethel, violincelloLisa Putukian, oboeJuliet Cunningham, harpsichord May 17 – May 19, 2019Warehouse IXSomerville, MAThe Cambridge Chamber Ensemble on Facebook Review by Gillian Daniels (Somerville, MA) Roselin Osser as Silla has the wild eyes, swagger, and exquisite cheekbones of a villain as he dominates the stage. In this alternate version of 2019, the Roman Republic is alive and well and Silla, after a successful military campaign, announces that he plans to rule as Perpetual Dictator of Rome. The reporters are horrified. Silla’s wife, Metella (the hilarious Theresa Egan) grits her teeth and stands by her man. As Silla begins to openly lust after other women and jail his political enemies, however, Melania–I mean, Metella, yes, begins to wonder just how much her loyalty to a tyrant husband is worth. Continue reading →