Kayla’s father presides over an isolated community of snake handlers – a sect of Pentecostals who willingly take up venomous snakes to prove themselves before God. When ritual ends in tragedy, Kayla is compelled to return to the family she left behind, reckon with her past, and take control of her future.

Written by composer Kamala Sankaram and librettist Jerre Dye, Taking Up Serpents has been hailed as “a major contribution from an intriguing new compositional voice.” Serpents makes its Midwestern premiere in this newly expanded version co-commissioned by COT and On Site Opera. COT debutantes Alexandra Loutsion and Michael Mayes star in a new Alison Moritz production that also features Chicago-based mezzo Leah Dexter. Staley Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya conducts.

Available for: 72 hours

Duration: 90 minutes without intermission

Language: English, with English subtitles

Season Sponsors: Julie & Roger Baskes; Nancy Dehmlow

Production Sponsor: COT President’s Council

Supported by: Illinois Arts Council Agency

For more info: cot.org/season/serpents