10 questions on Carousel: How Intermountain Opera Bozeman is partnering with Haven
The 1945 musical Carousel has some dark themes – domestic violence and the treatment of women among them – that can be hard to come to terms with for a 2024 audience. That’s why Intermountain Opera Bozeman (IOB) is partnering with us for their February production of this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Here’s IOB’s Artistic Director Michael Sakir answering 10 questions about what this partnership entails:
Intermountain Opera Bozeman Artistic Director Michael Sakir. (Photo courtesy of IOB.)
1. How did the partnership between Haven and Intermountain Opera Bozeman on this production come about? What interested each group in collaborating?
The friendship between Haven and IOB started back in 2021 when IOB facilitated a conversation with the Haven/Bridgercare Peer Educators about the misogynistic themes and history of opera. The unfortunate truth is that much of the core of the 18th- and 19th-century operatic canon focuses on the downfall or death of female heroines at the hands of male characters (and male composers and librettists). Addressing that history is crucial to understanding opera today.
2. For those unfamiliar, what is the storyline of Carousel and how does it relate to issues of domestic violence/unhealthy relationships?
Carousel depicts the tumultuous relationship between carousel barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan. The musical delves into themes of domestic violence and unhealthy relationships as it portrays Billy's possessiveness and aggression toward Julie. It highlights the cycle of abuse and the potential for transformation and healing even in the aftermath of toxic relationships.
3. Why did Intermountain Opera Bozeman think it was important to partner with a local organization like Haven on this production?
IOB believed there was an opportunity to use this production as a way to recognize and empower domestic abuse survivors. But we couldn’t do so without the support and resources of Haven. Together, we hope to tell a compelling and truthful story in which a survivor perseveres, rather than a story about an abuser who is redeemed.
4. What conversations took place between your two organizations about how to approach the sensitive subject matter with audiences?
IOB approached Haven over a year ago about presenting Carousel together. Since then, we’ve shared multiple conversations about how to most effectively support and educate the cast and community in regards to the show’s themes.
5. Will there be any related community education or talkbacks hosted along with the performances? If so, what will those aim to accomplish?
Haven will facilitate a full company conversation early in the rehearsal process so that everyone involved understands how IOB and Haven are approaching the problematic themes in Carousel. Additionally, post-show talkbacks after each performance will help the audience members more fully appreciate what they just saw and how, if desired, they can take advantage of Haven’s support and resources.
6. How do you feel the arts can uniquely foster awareness and dialogue around social issues like domestic violence?
Opera and musical theatre possess a unique ability to evoke empathy and emotional connection, allowing audiences to intimately experience the complexities of social issues like domestic violence. Through storytelling, beautiful music, and nuanced characterization, opera and musical theatre can humanize these issues, sparking meaningful dialogue and encouraging societal reflection and change.
7. What would you like audiences to take away or think more deeply about after seeing this production of Carousel?
Even though the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein are often considered old-fashioned or out of touch, the truth is that Carousel is profoundly relevant today. We hope that audiences appreciate the struggle and nuanced conflict of domestic abuse survivors and, for survivors themselves, we hope that this production inspires them to take advantage of the support and resources that Haven offers.
8. What resources or support will Haven be providing in relation to the performances?
In addition to the post-show discussions with Haven advocates I mentioned earlier, all of Haven’s contacts (24-hour support line, text, web chat) will be listed in the Carousel program, for people to use themselves, or to pass on to friends, colleagues, and family members.
9. Would you encourage those who have experienced domestic violence or abuse to attend this production?
Absolutely, yes. We hope that witnessing the complicated relationship between Julie Jordan and Billy Bigelow on stage might inspire domestic abuse survivors to take advantage of the support and resources that Haven offers.
10. What future partnerships around the arts and/or community education might you like to see between local nonprofits and arts organizations?
Community partnerships that serve our community are baked into IOB’s mission and artistic decisions. While we can’t announce any specific details yet about future titles and partnerships, we’re always thinking about how our productions can improve and enrich the lives of Montanans.
Carousel runs at The Ellen Theatre Feb. 2-4, and Feb. 9-11. For more information or to purchase tickets, click the button below.