Louisiana Tech’s annual opera workshop will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14-17 in Howard Auditorium, Center for the Performing Arts.

The performance will consist of two one-act operas: ‘The Reluctant Dragon’ and ‘The Stoned Guest.’

‘The Reluctant Dragon’ follows the life of a young boy who discovers a bookish, mushroom-loving dragon living near his home. The dragon and boy become friends, but the dragon is discovered by the townsfolk, who send for St. George to slay the dragon. St. George, who is now elderly, has no interest in slaying dragons, but he feels it is his duty. The boy introduces St. George to the dragon, and the two decide it would be better not to fight. Eventually, they stage a fake joust, where it appears the dragon has been slain. The townspeople rejoice the dragon’s supposed death, and St. George announces that the dragon has not been killed. After assuring the villagers that the dragon is not dangerous, the creature is accepted by the people.

‘The Stoned Guest’ is a parody of classic opera which combines elements of Don Giovanni with parts of Carmen by Georges Bizet. The ending parodies classic operas by apparently ending in tragedy, then having a completely unmotivated happy ending.

The show is open to the public. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children and $4 for Tech students with a Tech ID. The box office is located in the lobby of Howard Auditorium, Center for the Performing Arts. Hours are Monday through Friday from 1:30-4:45 p.m. Reservations may also be made by calling (318) 257-3942.

Written by Judith Roberts