Surreal opera film “Black Lodge” makes its theatrical premiere

The Twin-Peaks-inspired opera film “Black Lodge” makes its big screen premiere Saturday, Jan. 21, at movie theaters in Bryn Mawr, Ambler, Doylestown, Phoenixville and Princeton, N.J.

When composer David T. Little’s newest cinematic opera creation premiered in concert at Opera Philadelphia’s Festival O22 in September, it was hailed by critics for pushing boundaries and redefining opera.

Opera Philadelphia, in collaboration with Beth Morrison Projects, presents the theatrical premiere of the film at five regional movie theaters at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, offering audiences an opportunity to immerse themselves in the intersection of two art forms.

The film will screen at Bryn Mawr Film Institute in Delaware County; The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, Chester County; County Theater in Doylestown; Ambler Theater in Montgomery County; and Princeton Garden Theatre in Princeton, NJ.

Blending classical music with goth rock (and with a nod to David Lynch’s Twin Peaks), “Black Lodge” is a journey into magic, mystery, regret, and redemption.

Produced by Beth Morrison Projects, the bold film features a libretto by well-known poet Anne Waldman and story, screenplay and direction by Michael Joseph McQuilken.

The feature film is accompanied by Opera Philadelphia’s 2021 short film, “We Need to Talk,” from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw and director Maureen Towey, starring soprano Ariadne Greif.

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