Explore Stories of Struggle, Redemption, and the Human Spirit
Explore San Francisco Opera’s thrilling fall season with Berkeley Chancellor Emerita Carol Christ and Naniette Coleman. Across four standalone events, they’ll delve into Rigoletto, Dead Man Walking, Parsifal, and The Monkey King — unpacking the timeless struggles of good and evil, innocence and retribution, and the unforgettable characters whose choices shape their fates.
Learn More and Register
- Aug. 26: Rigoletto by Guiseppe Verdi — a video recording of the event is available
- Sept. 2: Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie and Terrance McNally — a video recording of the event is available
- Oct. 21: Parsifal by Richard Wagner
- Nov. 10: The Monkey King by Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang
Details
- Open to all — OLLI members and the public.
- Events take place 2–4 PM in person in Berkeley and via livestream. They will also be recorded.
- Tickets: $0 for OLLI Premium/Premium Plus members; $40 for other OLLI members; $60 for general public.
About the Faculty
Carol Christ began her term as the 11th chancellor of UC Berkeley in 2017 and retired as Chancellor Emerita in 2024. Prior to that, she served as president of Smith College. She is a celebrated scholar of 19th-century British literature, a champion of women’s issues and diversity on college campuses, and a lifelong opera lover.
Naniette H. Coleman is a PhD candidate in Berkeley's Sociology Department and studies culture and organizations. She is also a member of the San Francisco Opera's Board of Trustees and the founder and Executive Director of UC Berkeley's national award-winning Night Out/Night Off for Graduate Students arts initiative.