The Rape of Lucretia: Maryland Opera Studio

The Maryland Opera Studio presents Benjamin Britten’s emotionally intense chamber opera *The Rape of Lucretia*, exploring the devastating consequences of power, pride, entitlement and violence. The story follows a group of soldiers whose reckless attempt to test the loyalty of wives left at home leads to irreversible harm against Lucretia, whose integrity becomes the focus of both admiration and cruelty.

Written in the aftermath of World War II, Britten’s opera examines abuse of power, misogyny, shame and moral collapse while also asking whether compassion, forgiveness and renewal are possible. Male and female choruses frame the tragedy and reflect on the violence and its continuing resonance in society.

When: November 18, 19, 21 and 22, 2026

Showtimes: Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets: Regular admission is $30 plus a $5 booking fee. Student and youth admission is $10.

Venue: Kay Theatre, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Seating: Reserved seating

Production: Benjamin Britten, composer; Ronald Duncan, librettist; J. Bradley Baker, conductor; and Gregory Keng Strasser, director.

Presented by: Maryland Opera Studio, a program focused on preparing the next generation of opera singers and presenting both established repertoire and challenging contemporary works.

Audience Advisory: The performance contains adult subject matter, including sexual assault and suicide.

Accessibility: The Clarice offers wheelchair-accessible and size-inclusive seating, large-print programs, assisted-listening devices, sensory packs for adults and children, and quiet spaces upon request. ASL interpretation, audio description and captioning are available for select events or by patron request at least six weeks in advance.