Detroit Opera
In partnership with University Musical Society in Detroit, Michigan
Michigan Building Theatre
Detroit, Michigan
September 25, 2021

Director: Yuval Sharon
Set Designer: Moníka Essen
Lighting Designer: Heather DeFauw
Costume and Wig Designer: Suzanne Hanna
Conductor: Christopher Rountree

Bliss is a recreation of Ragnar Kjartansson's twelve-hour performance piece, restaged in the historic Michigan Building Theatre—the first live performance in that space since its conversion to a parking garage in the 1970s.

Bliss replays three minutes of The Marriage of Figaro with the same cast and same orchestra without pause for twelve hours. The scene—in which Count Almaviva pleads for, and ultimately wins, the Countess’s forgiveness—is looped seamlessly, creating a seemingly never-ending universe of repentance and grace.

Photography provided courtesy of Detroit Opera.