The School of Music’s Opera Workshop and Chamber Orchestra at Memorial University will present Mozart’s comic opera Così fan Tutte (School for Lovers), sung in English and Italian, at the Holy Heart Theatre in St. John’s on Saturday, Feb. 16, and Sunday, Feb. 17.

In Così fanTutte, Mozart takes on the age-old battle of the sexes. Two young soldiers are happily engaged to be married to two lovely young women. Their cynical friend convinces them that no woman can be trusted, and eggs the soldiers on to test the fidelity of their lovers. What follows is a hilarious comedy of disguise and deception in which true love (with a strong dose of forgiveness) conquers all.

The opera was originally written in 1790, but by setting it in the 1950s, the School of Music’s production shows the timelessness of the opera’s themes. 

“Così fanTutte highlights the fact that gender politics are still very much a reality in our own day and age,” said Dr. Ellen Waterman, dean, School of Music. “Mozart’s plot could easily fit a contemporary reality TV show!”

The opera is sung by graduate and undergraduate students in Memorial’s Opera Workshop and co-directed by opera program director Caroline Schiller and opera instructor Eldon Murray. The show will be conducted by chamber orchestra director Vernon Regehr. Dr. Jamie Skidmore, a drama specialist in Memorial’s Department of English Literature and Language, designed the sets, which replicate a 1950s summer resort and evoke a nostalgic look at a period of the 20th century when traditional gender roles were more evident. 

“At the same time, it’s very playful,” said Dr. Schiller. “Così fanTutte contains some of Mozart’s most beautiful music that brilliantly conveys the characters’ emotions and motivations.” 

Così fanTutte runs Feb. 16-17 with a start time of 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the theatre box office at 709-579-4424 or online at www.holyhearttheatre.com. Prices for students and seniors are $20/$15.