Lyric Opera Theatre Presents: 'Behold The Man,' US Workshop Premiere

Arizona State University Lyric Opera Theatre presents a semi-staged workshop premiere of "Behold The Man: La Ópera del Ecce Homo," a new comic opera by composer Paul Fowler and librettist Andrew Flack, about the botched restoration of artist Elias Garcia Martinez’ "Ecce Homo" fresco in Borja, Spain. 

In an attempt to save a forgotten and sadly deteriorated fresco of Jesus, octogenarian Cecilia Giménez tries her hand at its restoration, only to make matters worse. Outrage is rampant and threats are made. Even the ghost of the fresco’s original artist gets into the act. Swept up by social media, the story becomes an internet sensation, drawing tourists from around the world, helping restore the woman’s reputation and revitalizing the economy of the struggling town. 

"Behold the Man" is a poignant comedy about how a disaster morphed into a miracle, and how the virtual world can impact the lives of ordinary people in powerful ways.