Nuns in rubber play accordions, cats howl on key, children dodge a woman throwing knives, and angels sing mockingly as boxes of sin try to pass through Heaven’s kitchen door. This Father’s Day Weekend, Opera Theater Oregon’s Opera Cinema: Dada aspires to make no sense to viewers.

In the anti-tradition of Dada (“onlY NothINg is tRUtH!”), Opera Cinema: Dada collages together surreal film shorts with live opera singers, chorus, cabaret band, and sound effects. June 20 (8pm) and 21 (3pm and 8pm), the Clinton Street Theater will rock like it hasn’t shocked since 1919. OTO Executive Director Elizaebeth Nielsen-Sheller described the upcoming event, “[Dadaist poet] Kurt Switterz said it best, ‘The cow is mother to the milk, and grandma both to cheese and butter. The cheese is cousin to the marmalade.’”

The live soundtrack features the exquisite melodies of Verdi, Puccini, Fauré and others. Directed, written, and edited by OTO artistic director, Katie Taylor with music direction and co-editing by Erica Melton, Opera Cinema: Dada stars Rebecca Marques as The Socialite, Emily Kinkley as The Angry Nun, David Simmons as The Wayward Dentist, Michael Miersma as The Cabbage, Katie Hochman as The Cheesecake, and Live Wire’s Pat Janowski on Sound F/X. Embrace the absurd: give Dada a hug.

Opera Cinema: Dada is paired with a big screen showing of the notorious almost-silent classic, Daughter of Horror (1955). Soundtracked by Twentieth-century classical music’s bad boy, George Antheil, the film features early performances by Marni Nixon and Ed McMahon.

Opera Cinema: Dada

June 20 (8pm) and 21 (3pm and 8pm) at the Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton Street, Portland, OR 97202 (SE 26th & Clinton). Both 8:00 pm shows are 21+ only (please bring ID). The matinee on June 21 is all ages, but not recommended for kids under 13.

*Bus Line: #10 Harold to Foster Loop

Beer and Wine only. Cash only, no credit or debit cards accepted at venue.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door for both Opera Cinema: Dada and Daughter of Horror. For Daughter of Horror only, $5. Advanced tickets are highly encouraged and can be purchased at www.operatheateroregon.com.