A tale of forbidden love and sounds of coloratura soprano will engulf the Reynolds Performing Arts Center tonight through Oct. 25 as the OU Opera Theatre, School of Music and School of Dance presents Leo Delibes’ “Lakmé”.

Performed in the historic European styled Holmberg Hall, it is easy to slip into another time while listening to the vibrato tones filled with apprehensive emotion that surround the audience.

The design of the “Lakmé” stage is reminiscent of Victorian India. A sculpture of Shiva, a Hindu god, is hidden in the background. The clothing displayed throughout the performance is pleasing to the eye and filled with colorful Hindu designs and satin-like fibers.

The set features a play within a play type of illustration as the chorus is seated on the far sides of the stage in European opera styled balconies.

The clashing love story between a woman surrounded by the ancient Hindu religion and the Victorian world-view of the British Raj creates a suspenseful atmosphere along with moments of great sympathy.

As Gerald, a poetic young man with spiritual interest, tries to bridge the two worlds of Victorian India and Great Britain, he faces much adversity but is constantly enlightened by the realm of imagination brought by “Lakmé.”

The OU Opera Theatre has collaborated with nearly 30 ballet performers from the OU School of Dance and School of Music orchestra to create a fulfilled performance with dense artistic value.

This successful rendition of a cultured love story is one with diverse value and realistic appeal.

When violence erupts and lifestyles collide, not only are individual’s lives destroyed, but both cultures are left in ruins.

The OU presentation of “Lakmé” is one that displays artistic greatness and suspense. Not only is the operatic quality inspiring, but the dance and orchestration of the rendition is filled with climatic moments and a contrasting gentle air.

4/5 stars

— Cassie Rhea Little is a journalism sophomore