Gertrude Opera will present the Australian premiere of the groundbreaking and acclaimed chamber opera AS ONE at fortyfivedownstairs from 23 January as part of the 2020 Midsumma Festival.
Inspired by the work of transgender filmmaker and librettist Kimberly Reed, AS ONE is the World’s first opera to depict the transgender experience, tracing the journey of protagonist Hannah from her small town youth, to her college years, overseas travels and personal discoveries.
With Music & Concept by Laura Kaminsky and Libretto by Mark Campbell & Kimberly Reed, AS ONE is a chamber opera for two voices and string quartet features 15 songs that comprise the three-part narrative. Under the direction of Gertrude Opera Artistic Director Linda Thompson, the role of Hannah is shared by Mezzo-Soprano Morgan Carter and Baritone Joshua Erdelyi-Gotz.
AS ONE follows a series of acclaimed Gertrude Opera productions, including the award-winning Handmaid’s Tale, The Enchanted Pig and The Consul. “I’m thrilled to be presenting this touching, humourous and empathic work,” says Thompson. “And to be welcoming Chicago based conductor Alexandra Enyart to lead Marie, Joshua and our wonderful string quartet.”
As a transgender conductor, Enyart strives to create a more equitable and diverse musical world. She has successfully chartered Faulty Systems – an annual program in which activists and artists come together to share stories of under-represented communities or ideas through music, speech, poetry, dance and other mediums. Enyart also works with ResonaTe – an all transgender choir with a mission to foster acceptance of all voices and identities.
“Having conducted AS ONE several times in the US, Enyart’s guidance will be invaluable,” says Thompson. “fortyfivedownstairs is the ideal venue for such an intimate piece and we can’t wait to share Hannah’s story with Melbourne audiences.”
“As One forces you to think, simultaneously challenging preconceptions and inspiring empathy … [with] winning humor and a satisfying emotional arc.” – New York Times
Director: Linda Thompson Conductor: Alexandra Eryart Featuring: Morgan Carter, Joshua Erdelyi-Gotz String Quartet: Suying Aw, Natalia Harvey, Zoe Knighton, Kristian Winther Repetiteur: Jason Abela Production Manager: Matthew Nash Lighting Design: Jason Crick Film Footage: Kimberly Reed Production Assistant: Sabrina Baker Assistant to Director: Alexandra Amerides
AS ONE
fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Season: 23 January – 1 February 2020 (preview: 22 January)
Bookings: www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
For more information, visit: www.gertrudeopera.com.au for details.
Image: Gertrude Opera presents AS ONE (supplied)