Join us at the First Presbyterian Church Broom Tree Theatre for a night of laughter and music with "The Snake: A Satirical Opera in One Act." Composed by Jacob Elkin, "The Snake" captures the controversy and contentiousness that surrounded the 2016 presidential debate as a modern opera. Using the debate’s pivotal moments, the work delves into themes of misogyny, xenophobia, and political mass media theater, offering a reflection on the past while raising questions about the current political climate. The name “The Snake,” comes from a popular recitation at Donald Trump’s campaign rallies in 2016, in which he compares immigrants to venomous reptiles. The parable opens the opera, through recordings of Trump’s voice, giving new meaning to his words, “You knew damn well I was a snake before you took me in.”

With the upcoming 2024 election featuring Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, this opera takes on a new relevance. The intense polarization and rhetoric of the past still echo today, and "The Snake" challenges audiences to reflect on how far we have—or haven’t—come since 2016. As the nation braces for another critical election, this performance offers a timely lens into the past that still shapes our future.

5th Avenue at W 12th Street Map
646-308-1744