A Festival of Lights explores Orphisim—a nonviolent vegan spiritual movement that lasted for over 600 years in ancient Greece and Rome. It was based on teachings of the semi-legendary musician Orpheus which were passed down through the centuries in exquisite small poems. And it was followed by human beings around the Roman Empire who wanted to find a better way to exist than what they saw around them. These highly disciplined practitioners believed that through the pursuit of consciousness and strict nonviolence they would become immortal, keeping their awareness and their personality after death. A Festival of Lights tells the story of one such Orphic activist who is struggling to apply the Orphic instructions and become immortal. The opera is written for three singers, chorus, actors, live and electronic music, dance, and video projections. Indian music is incorporated, echoing what these nonviolent activists may have chanted during their peaceful sunset ceremonies. The libretto draws from fragments of ancient Greek Orphic poems and the modern poetry of Edward Barrett.
A Festival of Lights in the Court of Love
A Festival of Lights tells the story of one such Orphic activist who is struggling to apply the Orphic instructions and become immortal. The opera is written for three singers, chorus, actors, live and electronic music, dance, and video projections. Indian music is incorporated, echoing what these nonviolent activists may have chanted during their peaceful sunset ceremonies. The libretto draws from fragments of ancient Greek Orphic poems and the modern poetry of Edward Barrett.
