The UA School of Music will be performing “”The Rape of Lucretia”” this Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in Crowder Hall. The spring production, a contemporary opera is sure to stir audiences and is not suitable for children. Set in ancient Rome, it tells the story of virtuous Lucretia and the treacherous Tarquinius. The piece deals with ideas such as lust, love, fidelity, redemption and evil.

“”It is a beautiful and chilling piece,”” said the opera’s artistic director Charles Roe. “”It involves a small cast and chorus … the piece is developing every day and is something UA students should most definitely see.””

Roe is confident the cast will impress.

“”It features eight of our best advanced singers … This is one of the great 20th century chamber operas.””

The cast includes Dennis Tamblyn as the Male Chorus, Connie Nokes-Roberts as the Female Chorus, Chris Herrera as Collatinus, Robb Harrison as Junius, Seth Kershisnik as Tarquinius, Robyn Rocklein as Lucretia, Kaitlin Bertenshaw as Bianca, and Bethania Baray as Lucia. Paired with the small cast and orchestra, UA’s performance will be an intimate and noteworthy look at an enthralling story from the past.