The Unknowable

Music and Libretto by Benjamin T. Rossen

"The Unknowable: An Operatic Ballet in Two Acts" is a work that explores the nuances of making a difficult life decision. For the protagonist Edna, she literally "faces the music" in a unique blend of original music and the vibrant song cycles of Hector Berlioz and Gustav Mahler. Empathy, frustration, compassion, and inquisitiveness mysteriously blossom in this multi-sensory and surrealist experience.

The Unknowable follows a young woman and her path to sincere curiosity – both intellectual and emotional – in the face of a demoralizing reality. It centers around the listening experience of ‘Les nuits d’été’ by Hector Berlioz and ‘Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen’ by Gustav Mahler. These song cycles were carefully chosen for their rich soundworlds and allegories to embody the characters’ personal journeys and burgeoning curiosity. The Unknowable takes what audiences love about opera and ballet – bravura singing and a highly refined movement aesthetic – and makes it real.

Libretto and Music by Benjamin T. Rossen '23, with additional music by Hector Berlioz and Gustav Mahler
Directed by Haley Stark ‘25
Choreographed by Emily Parker
Music Directed by Benjamin T. Rossen

A Story about us.

“I think we can all see ourselves in The unknowable” - Emily Parker, Choreographer.

The Lowell House Opera Presents the World Premiere of

The Unknowable: An Operatic Ballet in Two Acts

OUR CAST

  • Aurora Martin

    Aurora Martin

    Edith Brookenberg

  • Emerald Barbour

    Anna Reminwake

  • Lavinia Kosher '24

    Edna

  • Katy Nairn '26

    Hannah

  • Caroline Wolfe

    Adele

  • Marcus Schenck

    Immanuel

  • Logan Trotter

    Grace

  • Sula Frausto

    Sara

  • Isabella Meyer '24

    Carol

  • Leo Balkovetz

    Michel

  • Sarah Erickson '25

    Spirit

  • Sedina Ackuayi '25

    Spirit

  • Catherine Martinez '24

    Spirit

  • Trinity Stevens

    Spirit

  • Linda Wnetrzewska '26

    Understudy: Anna

  • Benji Pearson

    Thomas

  • Holly Stone

    Spirit

  • Katherine Byunn-Rieder

    Spirit

  • Lara Rui-Qi Tan

    Understudy: Edith

an operatic ballet

Reinventing the opéra-ballet first popularized during the Baroque era, Lowell House Opera proudly unveil The Unknowable: An Operatic Ballet in Two Acts at Sanders Theater on February 10th and 11th. This production marks a convergence of 18th-century opéra-ballet with contemporary narrative flair, delivering an unparalleled experience.

“Throughout history, ballet in opera has been treated as episodic and disjunct from the larger narrative – as a brief visual delight. The form of ‘operatic ballet’ found in The Unknowable interweaves dancers and vocalists like never before. This story explores how artists can communicate and understand one another not only with words, but also with kinesics and haptics.” - Benjamin T. Rossen, Composer and Librettist.

Our Staff

  • Benjamin T. Rossen

    Composer, Librettist, Music Director, and Pianist

  • Haley Stark

    Stage Director

  • Emily Parker

    Choreographer

  • Ioana Belu

    Stage Manager

  • Lara Rui-Qi Tan

    Dramaturg

  • Cam Parsons Muniz

    Set Designer

  • Enoch Li

    Assistant Music Director and Violinist

  • John Holmes

    Lighting Designer

  • Rachel Jacobs

    Graphic Designer

  • Christian Maloney

    Violinist

  • Joshua Cai

    Violist

  • William Tan

    Cellist

  • Neo Guerrero

    Videographer