CALENDAR

Four teenage girls gather for a workshop on writing an effective college essay. The teacher asks them to “Tell me who you are.” Each of the girls shares her story. One is mourning the loss of a special friend. Another hides behind her popularity. The third feels constrained by her parents’ expectations. And the last has a troubled homelife. Despite the chorus of trolls that taunts them, the girls unite, declaring their empowerment.

Fierce tells stories inspired by the lives of the Cincinnati-area teenage girls who helped create it. Composer William Menefield and novelist Sheila Williams join forces to present this new work in collaboration with community partners WordPlay Cincy, The Music Resource Center—Cincinnati (MRC), and i.imagine.

Rebellion is brewing at Egypt’s borders. Aida, an Ethiopian princess and prisoner of war, finds herself in love with her captor, and he with her. When he is commissioned to lead a battle against her people, Aida is torn between her love for him and for her country.

The grandest of all operatic masterpieces, Verdi’s beloved Aida is infused with gorgeous melodies, bringing ancient Egypt to life through music such as the iconic “Triumphal March.” Presented in an eye-popping production with sets and costumes by British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.