the cell theatre

presents

The Center for Contemporary Opera’s 26th Season

Clarence and Anita

by Ben Yarmolinsky
Directed by Kira Simring

Following the political drama surrounding the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, this opera belongs to the new genre of contemporary works often known as "CNN Operas". Composer Ben Yarmolinsky calls it a "docu-opera" as its libretto is direct from the transcript of Clarence Thomas’ Senate hearings which featured salacious charges from his former employee Anita Hill that he sexually harassed her, nearly blocking his conformation. The cast includes Senator Joseph Biden, current Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate and a veritable "Whiffenpoof" chorus from Yale Law School affirming Ms. Hill’s character and professional standing.

The price of admission includes a wine reception following the performance.