Rise

RISE is an opera-infused play intertwining the tale of Rome’s most infamous anarchist Emperor with the extravagant ambition of four modern-day misfits.

In a decaying Roman Empire, debauchery and ruthlessness are de rigueur, but Boy-King Elagabalus’s excesses and flagrant disregard for religious tradition and sexual taboos shocks even the most callous citizens. Placed on the throne by the conniving machinations of his mother and grandmother, Elagabalus marries a sacred Vestal Virgin, skewers the national religion, and flaunts his exploits with men and women of all classes.