The long time performer, writer, vocalist and creative force in Portland is the subject of a one act opera excerpted from her book Magic Gardens: The Memoirs of Viva Las Vegas.
The book captures an era when artists and activists collaborated to embrace exotic dancing in Portland's cultural mix. It centers around the protagonist's Christmas visit to Midwest family when she reveals her profession to her minister father.
The opera expression of the story is a collaboration with Portland's contemporary opera project Cult of Orpheus, which descended from Classical Revolution PDX. It is no coincidence that Viva is a classically trained singer and studied opera. It is also promoted by Opera Theater Oregon which supports new opera, and has been the subject of an interview on All Classical FM's Northwest Previews. Oregon Art Watch has an extensive review.
All the details and tickets are at www.vivas-holiday.com. Performance at Star Theater, an old burlesque theater once owned by Gus Van Sant, 13 NW 6th. 9PM $20
