IN Series’ Poppea offers a captivating and praiseworthy performance inspired by Claudio Monteverdi’s iconic opera The Coronation of Poppea. As the concluding chapter of IN Series’ Monteverdi trilogy, the actors and dancers bring to life the tragic, dramatic, and comedic elements of this masterpiece at Dupont Underground in Washington, DC. What makes this rendition particularly unique is its bold challenge to gender norms, blending two worlds by incorporating traditional South Indian performances, including Bharatanatyam dance — one of India’s oldest and most revered dance forms, originating from Tamil Nadu.
In addition to the cultural dances, the characters wore costumes resembling traditional Indian garb, while the stage was elegantly adorned with props that showcased the richness of Indian culture. Just in time for the Holi season, this performance served as both a memorable tribute to Monteverdi and a heartfelt celebration of Indian traditions.
The show’s commitment to a diverse cast and its seamless integration of different cultural elements was both refreshing and impactful, enriching the entire production. The opera explores themes of love, sex, power, and betrayal. Each cast member flawlessly embodied their character and sang their heart out. Their voices were enchanting, and every note they belted out and held took the audience’s breath away. Remarkably, each performer was able to sing one song after another while physically acting, without gasping for air. This is a testament to the divinely gifted talent of each cast member.
Speaking of something divine, the duets between Aryssa Leigh Burrs, who played the character Nerone, and Caitlin Wood, who played Poppea, were a heavenly experience. During one of their duets, their voices blended so harmoniously that, under the warm yellow backlight, they seemed to float together, gazing into each other’s eyes with a fiery chemistry that had the audience captivated. Their connection was so intense that at certain points, some audience members may have felt compelled to look away but could not resist watching.
Maribeth Diggle’s performance as Ottavia was a spot-on, heartbreaking expression of rejection and feeling unloved. The audience was able to experience what many of us fear in life. Attendees could hear sorrow in her voice and the subtle cries she let out while singing. Her voice, echoing off the walls, also stood out, creating an eerie and melancholic experience that could easily bring a tear to your eye.
The opera also featured a trio of dancers whose South Indian dance performances brilliantly served as transitions into each act. Their choreography, performed in perfect synchrony, gave the audience a deeper sense of each act’s mood, enriching the emotional landscape of the opera. The entire show was well done, and it was more than just an opera for the audience to watch. It was an experience where the cast connected not only with each other while in character but also with the audience by performing onstage and, at times, in the crowd. In such a small space, the show was a big success.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, plus one 15-minute intermission.
Poppea played from March 14 to 16, 2025, presented by IN Series performing at the at Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Cir NW, Washington, DC. Purchase tickets ($72 for reserved seating, $57–4$2 for general seating, and $35 for students) online or by calling 202-204-7763.
Poppea will also play from March 21 to 23, 2025, at at the Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston St., Baltimore, MD, where tickets can be purchased ($20–$30) online and from March 28 to 29 at St. Marks Capitol Hill, 301 A St SE, Washington, DC, where tickets can be purchased ($40–$77) online.
Poppea
Stage and Musical Direction by Timothy Nelson
Choreography by Hari Krishnan
With new music composed by Ami Dang and Rajna Swaminathan
Design by Deb Sivigny, Kathryn Kawecki, Paul Callahan
CAST
Poppea: Caitlin Wood:
Ottone: Daniel Moody
Nerone: Aryssa Leigh Burrs
Seneca: Peter Walker
Ottavia: Maribeth Diggle
Lucano: Allan Palacios Chan
Drusilla: Dawna Rae-Warren
The Nurse: Rob McGinness
Love: Elijah McCormack
Damigella: Judy Yannini
Arnalta: Hunter Shaner
Dancers: Yasseen Hassan, Tenesha Hunter, Chitra Subramanian
