Moving opera into the realm of the hyper-technological is vidGod, a new work premiering this week (Thu., March 22-Sat., March 24) at the University of Michigan. With staging and book by U-M art professor Michael Rodemer and music by U-M music professor Stephen Rush, the production promises to overturn classical expectations and take hostages who won’t be released until they’ve been thoroughly transformed by what they experience. In addition to live actors and singers, and computer-generated characters, the opera uses surveillance cameras, 3D computer-animated sets, virtual dancers, lasers and other techno fetishes of the 21st century. Though admission is free to the public, tickets are required and can be obtained from the School of Music (call 734-764-0583). Performances are at 8 p.m. in the Video Production Studio, Media Union, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., U-M North Campus, Ann Arbor. For more info, see www.umich.edu/~rodemer.

The Hot & the Bothered was written and edited by George Tysh. E-mail him at gtysh@metrotimes.com.