VIDEO OPERAS - Experiments in Opera

May 6 & 7, both nights at 7:30 PM Experiments in Opera presents a collection of five original operas created specifically for the screen by Jason Cady, Emily Manzo and Christy Edwards, Anna Mikhailova, Aaron Siegel and Dorian Wallace and David Kulma. 5/6 Premiere followed by a opening night reception 5/7 Show followed by a Q & A with the artists --------------------- Building on the pioneering work of composer Robert Ashley, who believed that the America of his time was a culture of TV, Experiments in Opera presents a collection of five original operas created specifically for the screen. These works, commissioned from a wide range of composers/artists, were conceived of as a unique way to tell compelling stories through music in a format that is most relevant to our multi-screen culture. The videos, ranging from 10-20 minutes, will be screened as one continuous program. The commissioned artists are Jason Cady, Emily Manzo, Anna Mikhailova, Aaron Siegel, and Dorian Wallace/David Kulma. These artists come from diverse musical backgrounds, bringing to their video operas experiences with chamber and electronic music, improvisation, indie rock, and various approaches to vocal production. Their works demonstrate a wide range of storytelling interests, encompassing time-travel, hallucinogenic therapy, personal histories, and contemporary takes on monsters of lore. These video operas reveal personal visions of the anxieties of life and triumphs of the imagination in the twenty-first century. About the Program Emily Manzo PUBLIC PUBLIC is an operatic experimental film centered around the stories of Sonny Singh’s and Mawia Khogali’s experiences with Islamophobia. Featuring performances by dancers Gus Solomons, Jr. and Shalya-Vie Jenkins; music performed by DJ Rupture, Shayna Dunkelman and Arooj Aftab; recorded by Jeff Cook; directed by Christine Edwards; created and composed by Emily Manzo. Anna Mikhailova in the distance go on forever/ the story of contemporary frankenstein What if all your previous experiences and worlds became visible and physical? Everyone is a frankenstein, creating their world with their choices. We all are responsible for the living worlds we create, even when they take on a life of their own. Featuring Sid Ahmat and Stephanie Pan; Rodrigo Parejo (flute), Anna Mikhailova (present and absent music instruments), specially made instruments by Loek Vellekoop,costumes by Isabell Schulz; body paint by Ko de Kok; camera Jesse Bom, Flora Reznik, Rob Verbunt; tools by Pim Piet and Dylan Hallegraeff; directed and composed by Anna Mikhailova Aaron Siegel TEA BEFORE YOU GO Rich, a terminally ill 60-year old, agrees to an experimental hallucinogenic treatment with his psychologist. Reluctant at first, Rich eventually embraces the opportunity to explore the sounds and visions of his subconscious mind. Featuring actors John Hagan and Christopher MacFarland and singer Nathaniel Adams; music performed by Aaron Siegel and Jessica Pavone; photography and editing by Antonia Colodro; composed and directed by Aaron Siegel. Jason Cady I SCREWED UP THE FUTURE In 2016 the world still suffers from the after-effects of massive power outages, food shortages, and nuclear explosions caused by Y2K. Cassandra, a computer programmer, builds a time machine and travels back to 1996 to prevent it. But will she succeed? And would things be better if Y2K had not happened? Featuring Katie Eastburn, Sasha Zamler-Carhart, and Tomás Cruz; videography by Malik Isasis; music and screenplay by Jason Cady. Dorian Wallace/David Kulma THE REST IS SH**: STORIES FROM THE MICROCHASM In a world not unlike our own, we experience moments in many lives. A man joins street protests and considers his sister’s problems with family and friends. A man has thoughts when he is pushed onto the subway tracks. Given the recent events here… The rest is shit. Featuring David Kulma; music performed by Dorian Wallace, Michael Eaton, Lathan Hardy, Carl Limbacher, Max Maplesand, and Hajnal Pivnick; dance by Diane Skerbec; directed and filmed by John Sanborn; story and music by Dorian Wallace/David Kulma.