News Summary
Greek opera director Rodula Gaitanou will premiere her atmospheric interpretation of ‘The Turn of the Screw’ at the Spoleto Festival USA. Running from May 30 to June 6, the production explores the haunting narrative of a governess encountering supernatural events while caring for two children. Gaitanou’s direction aims to immerse audiences in its psychological intrigue, inviting them to question the nature of reality and obsession, as they navigate the ambiguity presented by the opera.
Charleston, SC – Greek opera director Rodula Gaitanou is set to unveil her interpretation of “The Turn of the Screw” at the Spoleto Festival USA, running from May 30 to June 6. Gaitanou approaches the 1954 operatic adaptation of Henry James’ novella with a focus on atmosphere and the ambiguity of the supernatural, creating a haunting experience for audiences.
The opera tells the eerie story of an unnamed governess who experiences unsettling supernatural events while caring for two children in a country house. The central theme of the production revolves around the uncertainty of whether the ghosts she encounters are real or figments of her imagination. Gaitanou’s direction leans into this ambiguity, prompting audiences to ponder the nature of reality as they engage with the opera’s narrative.
Conductor François López-Ferrer highlights Gaitanou’s unique approach, noting that the production invites viewers to question rather than offering clear answers regarding the events witnessed by the governess. The emotional and psychological tension is further amplified through the themes of obsession, embodied in composer Benjamin Britten’s poignant “Screw Theme.”
Gaitanou characterizes her work on the production as an obsession that deepens with each rehearsal. She aims to craft a performance that leaves the audience feeling unsettled, resonating with the emotional intensity embedded in the score. The production is designed not only to entertain but also to evoke a lingering sense of unease that stays with viewers after the curtain falls.
The Dock Street Theatre, a historical venue known as the first U.S. theater specifically constructed for performances, serves as the backdrop for the opera. Scenic and costume designer Yannis Thavoris has created a set that intertwines the venue’s ambiance with elements reflective of James’ own home, enhancing the theatrical experience.
Thavoris, while also skeptical about ghosts, expresses hopes for a presence of kind spirits within the theater, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the production. The creative team aspires to echo the themes of childhood wonder through the perspectives of the two children the governess oversees.
The performance schedule for “The Turn of the Screw” includes:
- May 30 at 7:30 p.m.
- June 1 at 5 p.m.
- June 3 at 7 p.m.
- June 6 at 8 p.m.
As the festival draws closer, the anticipation builds for Gaitanou’s distinctive interpretation of “The Turn of the Screw.” With a focus on immersive atmosphere and psychological intrigue, the production promises to engage audiences in an exploration of the supernatural, leaving them in a state of thoughtful reflection about the narratives of obsession and ambiguity.
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: The Turn of the Screw at Dock Street Theatre
- Post and Courier: Haunted Houses in Charleston
- AJC: Southern Living’s Best City of 2025
- Wikipedia: The Turn of the Screw
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Turn of the Screw
