Campus & Community
A journey on the Marrakesh Express
Lowell House Opera presents “Postcard from Morocco” by Dominick Argento. Baritone Marcus Schenck (center) alongside the cast shares the stage in the Lowell House dining hall, which has been converted into a train station.
Images by Niles Singer/Harvard Staff Photographer
‘Postcard from Morocco’ revives opera at Lowell House
Following an eight-year break, Lowell House Opera has made its return to its original performance venue — the Lowell House dining hall — with a staging of “Postcard from Morocco.” Located in a train station backdrop from 1914, the opera delves into the psyche through seven travelers, each defined by a unique belonging.
The February production signified the company’s return after relocating their performances to other campus locations during the two-year refurbishment of Lowell House, compounded by delays from COVID-19.
For this winter show, designers utilized stained glass film to embellish the dining hall’s windows, amplifying the ambiance with colored lighting to create architectural shadows; together they transformed the space into a vibrant train station.
“We truly value an equitable opportunity for both seasoned experts and budding talents,” remarked Benjamin Rossen ’23, the executive director of Lowell House Opera, who is also the music director and conductor for “Postcard.”
The production’s cast, orchestra, and crew include a mix of Harvard scholars, alumni, a member of the faculty, professional opera artists, and students from various Boston-area institutions.
Preparations for the performance initiated in summer 2024. From mid-January to the premiere on Feb. 21, the cast engaged in rehearsals for three to four hours daily in order to prepare for their roles.
“The performers embodied their characters with remarkable fluidity,” stated stage director Haley Stark ’25. “With minimal guidance, they animated their roles in a manner that felt profoundly instinctive.”
The Lowell House Opera is already planning its upcoming production, “Parade in Concert: The Trial Behind the Tragedy,” in partnership with Harvard Hillel. Performances are scheduled for April 26-27 at Harvard Hillel.
