(Update: The New York City Opera's production of Ermione, with stage direction by Helena Binder '76 received glowing reviews. To read the review from The New York Times, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/13/arts/music/13ERMI.html
To read the review from the Newark Star-Ledger, click here: http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-1/1081839287108210.xml?starledger?eth
Helena Binder '76 is stage director for the New York City
Opera's upcoming production of Ermione.
Shows are April 11 at 1:30
pm; April 14 at 7:30 pm;
April 17 at 1:30 pm; April 20 at 7:30 pm; and April 22 at 7:30 pm.
The opera company's web site describes the piece as “A
riveting new production of what Gioachino Rossini called 'my little William Tell in Italian.' Though rarely
produced, Ermione is one of the
finest works of 19th-century Italian opera.
“After the fall of Troy,
a tug-of-love ensues between Ermione, Princess of Sparta, and Pirro, King of
Epirus. Despite his vow to marry Ermione, Pirro falls for his political enemy's
widow, Andromaca.
“Wracked with jealousy, Ermione seeks a ferocious revenge.
Part Greek tragedy, part Romantic love story, and all
timelessly beautiful, Ermione is Rossini's melodic journey to the soul of a
woman scorned.”
For more about the show, including ticket information,
visit:
http://www.nycopera.com/www/hide3/tickets/season/2003-04/dsp_opera.cfm?operaID=72
Binder also has stage directed or choreographed a number of NYCO productions including The Return of Ulysses, The Bartered Bride and Die tote Stadt.
She has choreographed Bluebeard and La Calisto for Glimmerglass Opera, The Marriage of Figaro and Queen of Spades for the Dallas Opera.
She has staged productions for the New York State Theatre Institute, Leatherstocking Theatre Company, Union College (Ten Little Indians and Equus) and Home Made Theater, including Noises Off, Wait Until Dark and Charlotte's Web. She was director for 19 years of the Annual Legislative Correspondents Show at the New York State Capitol. In the late 70's she was lead singer and keyboardist for the rock group, Blotto.
Binder, who earned a BA in art from Union, holds a master's in education degree from New York University.