Meet the Hercules Artists: Katrina Galka

Part 2 - Katrina Galka

Katrina Galka a second year Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artist, and will appear as Medea, as well as Zarathusa, Chained Woman, and Helena in our new cutting-edge performace Hercules vs Vampires. We asked her a few questions about her upcoming roles and thoughts on the production.

1) Why are you excited to be a part of Hercules vs Vampires?

This is such a fun project because it's so lighthearted and accessible. Film has really taken over as the primary form of contemporary storytelling, so it's great to combine that with operatic singing.

2) You’re going to be singing several roles, which one is your favorite?

I have to say Medea is my favorite. First of all, her appearance in the film is creepily awesome. But secondly, she's got some great complex vocal moments with interesting chromaticisms and trills. She also is responsible for giving Hercules important guidance at critical moments in his journey.

3) What is the biggest challenge for you as you prepare for your roles?

Because the timing has to match up so specifically with the film, we don't have huge flexibility of tempi. That being said, I think it feels like a challenge now, but once we're performing, it will be great. We'll know that we can count on performing the tempi that we've practiced.

4) What sets Hercules vs Vampires apart from other contemporary operatic productions?

Well the fact that we're singing to a movie is utterly unlike anything I've done in an opera. We have to create the drama and tell the story purely with our voices and then allow the visuals behind us to do the physicalization. 

5) It’s your second year back as a studio artist for the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio. What’s your favorite thing about being back in Arizona?

My favorite part about being back is seeing all the friendly faces of coworkers and patrons again, but in addition to that I'd have to say the weather. I'm originally from Wisconsin, so these warm winters are a dream come true! Once it cools down a little more, I can't wait to do some hiking.

Read Part 1, 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.