“Uyeda’s composition of a libretto by poet Rachel Rose is finessed, lush when it needs to be and utilizes consonant harmonies sparingly to highlight the underlying angst of the characters caught in an oppressive regime, and to really showcase the moments of true happiness. The story is relevant, poignant, and transferable to any community I see in the news.”
- Greg Finney
1. One of our favorite guest artists.
Sandra Piques Eddy (Orfeo ed Euridice) returns to Portland Opera, with Cree Carrico (Difficulty of Crossing a Field/Little Match Girl Passion). Plus, we're thrilled to welcome 2020 Portland Opera Resident Artist Michael Parham back to the Portland Opera stage, and feature dancers and choreography in collaboration with Shaun Keylock Company!
2. The orchestration.
Featuring a quintet of violin, cello, flute, clarinet, and piano, the beautiful orchestration of this piece means that we get to share the art of making live music together on an intimate scale.
3. The poetry.
Canadian/American poet Rachel Rose and composer Leslie Uyeda were commissioned by the Queer Arts Festival in Vancouver to write this opera. Rose has been honored as Vancouver's Poet Laureate, and her words mix with Uyeda's thoughtfully composed music to illuminate this love story.
4. It passes the Bechdel-Wallace test.
This opera features at least two women who have names, and talk to each other about something other than a man. It was also composed by a woman, with a libretto by a woman, is directed by a woman, and is conducted by a woman.
5. Because love is love.
Although this piece is set in a fictional place and time, there are dozens of jurisdictions around the world today that criminalize same-sex intimacy, as well as trans people, gender expression, and identity. Some of these laws include imposing the death penalty. The world of this piece is such a place, and this beautiful opera reminds us that love is love.
Visit Human Rights Watch to learn more.