Pagliacci proves that opera can be just as grand in two hours as four.

The deeply tragic and musically affecting and accessible opera revolves around a troupe of traveling clowns confronted one evening with infidelity, mistrust and murder.

The opera -- first produced in 1892 and being staged Friday and Saturday by the Augusta Opera -- was deemed controversial for its time because of its brevity, the tendency of performers to directly address the audience, and the ruthless nature of its plot.

"It plays like a movie," said John Hoomes, the stage director of the Augusta Opera production. "And we're not shying away from any of the intensity, any of the passion. Like any good B movie, this is full of sex and violence and passion and revenge."

An opera that profits from performers willing to commit to playing -- rather than just singing -- the roles, Pagliacci is perfect for both the novice audience and the experienced performer. Mr. Hoomes said audiences unfamiliar with opera can relate to the dynamic staging and infectious arias, while performers are drawn to the technical skills required and the dramatic abandon encouraged.

"It really is a great first piece, but it might spoil an audience," Mr. Hoomes said. "They might think all opera is this exciting."

Mr. Hoomes said one reason Pagliacci has remained so effective and affecting is that the principals play out much of the action in full clown costumes and that people like to watch clowns.

"There's an old saying that a clown is never scary at the circus," he said. "But a clown standing in your yard at midnight with a knife in its hand, that's something else completely."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.