As part of the Fall 2021 Signature Series, the USC Thornton Opera presents Claude Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande, prepared remotely and recorded in-person last Spring. This made-for-screen presentation has been envisioned and produced with the use of green screen compositing and visual effects.

Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande is a fairy tale about secrets, fear of intimacy, and people distancing themselves from each other. An impressionistic study of the great Maurice Maeterlinck’s novella of the same name, the story has everything to do with the current social distancing of our pandemic. Debussy’s music weaves a hypnotic trance that leaves almost everything to the audience’s imagination. Set in the kingdom of Allemonde, Prince Golaud falls in love and marries the young and mysterious Mélisande even though he knows virtually nothing about her. She subsequently falls in love with Golaud’s much younger brother Pelléas, which spells disaster for both of them. Accompanied by a single, virtuosic pianist – Thornton Opera Music Director, Brent McMunn – this piece of true opera-theatre will wrap you in its mystical riddles.

USC Thornton’s Signature Series will be open to limited audiences. RSVPs and COVID-19 Safety Protocols will be required (see more below). 

Livestream for Signature Series Events
USC Thornton’s Signature Series of events will be viewable as a livestream on Thornton/LIVE, the school’s virtual stage. You can watch the livestream on the homepage, under the section “On Stage.”
 
Audiences for Signature Series Events
USC Thornton’s Signature Series will be open to limited audiences. RSVPs and COVID-19 Safety Protocols will be required (see more below). 

At this time, audience requirements are still under review based on fluctuating health and safety guidelines. Please check back for updates, or watch for an announcement from USC Thornton. 
 
Current COVID-19 Safety Requirements for Audiences

Event Registration & Notification Commitment

• All attendees must register for each event through Thornton’s Eventbrite link assigned to the event. Links for each event will be posted to Thornton/LIVE.
• All attendees must register for a ticket with their contact information. Name, phone number, and email addresses will be requested and required of all attendees to gain entry to the event. 
• Additionally, by registering all those who test positive for COVID-19 within 48 hours of attending an event are committing to immediately reporting their exposure to the university by calling 213-740-6291 or emailing covid19@usc.edu to activate the university’s contact tracing protocols.

Proof of Vaccination or Testing

All attendees are required to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to have had a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of the start of the event. Attendees over the age of 12 are required to show their photo ID and proof of vaccination (vaccine card or a digital photo of card or medical records) or a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours prior to the event.

• Symptom Checking & Campus Access

All guests must complete the Trojan Check health screening on the day of their visit to campus. Trojan Check verification must be presented at the entries to the campus and parking garages as well as at the event check-in.

• Mask Requirement

This event will require masks for all attendees, vaccinated or unvaccinated. Masks should be worn at all times when individuals are not actively consuming food or beverage. Anyone refusing to comply with mask requirements is subject to removal from the event.