Pantomime was hugely popular in ancient Rome, but virtually nothing is known about them, other than that they were entertainments performed by one dancer accompanied by chorus and vocal soloists. Composer Santino DeAngelo has researched this lost art and created his own short pantomime based on the myth of Narcissus. Narcissus premieres on Thursday, January 21 at the Tri-Cities Opera Center as part of A Walk on the Wild Side. The program also includes selections from recent operas sung by artists from Tri-Cities Opera. WSKG will broadcast Narcissus this coming spring as a WSKG Arts Presents special.

Composer Santino DeAngelo, dramaturg Marty Murray, and director Austin Tooley talk about reviving this lost art.

Photo courtesy Santino DeAngelo