Meet the Hercules Artists: Jarrett Porter

Part 1 - Jarrett Porter

Jarrett Porter is a first year Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artist, and will appear as Hercules in our new cutting-edge performace Hercules vs Vampires. We asked him a few questions about his upcoming role and thoughts on the production.

1) You’ve got the title role of Hercules in our upcoming show Hercules vs Vampires! Have you found it easy or difficult to prepare for?

I couldn't be more excited to be playing the role of Hercules in this innovative piece. The preparation has not been challenging, but it has been fun learning and also getting ready for all of the elements that go into the making of this cool piece.

2) Do you relate to the character of Hercules? What do you like best about him?

While I don't feel personally that I relate to Hercules, the story of Hercules was one that I grew up with, and it's such a joy to see this rendition. I am a huge fan of the Disney's Hercules, and find his strength as a character an important element of the story.

3) Why do you think this show will be interesting not only to regular opera goers, but also to new audiences?

If ever there was a show for new audiences, this is it!! The performance is going to be a total package of sensory enjoyment. From the film, to the interesting music and texture coming from the orchestra, to the many diverse characters of the piece, there is always something to look for or listen for, and is sure to be enjoyed!!

4) Have you ever performed in a cutting-edge, contemporary operatic production like this before?

I've had the great opportunity to be involved in a few premieres so far in my career. New music is JUST as important as the old favorites. My first experience with new music was in 2013 at San Francisco Opera in the world premiere of Mark Adamo's The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, which was a very interesting and modern take on a controversial biblical story.

5) It’s your first year joining us as a member of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio. What are you most looking forward to during your stay in Arizona?

It has been an amazing time so far here as part of the Opera Studio. The amount of support from my coworkers and the coaches here have been enormous. My favorite part about opera is the ability to work together as a team to create art; which is unique, because by nature art can be such an individual event. Being here creating together in a supportive atmosphere like Arizona Opera, and the amazing talent of my colleagues is what I'm most looking forward to this year.

Read Part 2 ,Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Hold on tight for an out of this world event! Hercules vs Vampires combines operatic singing and 1960s pop culture, synchronizing live music with the 1961 cult classic film, Hercules in the Haunted World. Watch as the original film, starring bodybuilder Reg Park and horror legend Christopher Lee, is projected above a live orchestra and singers performing the music to a new, original score. You’ll thrill as the mighty hero Hercules journeys through the underworld, battling fiendish monsters to rescue his beloved! Action packed, outlandish, and fun for the whole family, Hercules vs Vampires offers a fresh take on this gorgeously campy Technicolor world.