Death and the Powers, a new opera by Tod Machover, will be shown with the American Repertory Theater and Opera Boston as a special presentation for the MIT 150^th Anniversary Celebration. The opera was produced by Tod Machover with his Opera of the Future Group at the MIT Media Lab, in co-production with American Repertory Theater.

The work explores themes of mortality and legacy, and what we leave behind of ourselves for the world and our loved ones. Death and the Powers additionally introduces specially-designed technology and an animated set — including a chorus of robots and a musical chandelier.

The libretto for Death and the Powers is written by former U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky. Tony-nominee Diane Paulus directs, with choreography by Karole Armitage and production design by Hollywood designer Alex McDowell. The music is performed by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, conducted by Gil Rose. Death and the Powers’ cast features James Maddalena, Patricia Risley, Joélle Harvey, Hal Cazalet, Frank Kelley, David Kravitz, and Tom McNichols.