inti figgis-vizueta, mad scramble for crumbs

A world premiere opera specifically written for Opera Saratoga festival artists, organically composed during the summer season by award-winning Composer-in-Residence inti figgis-vizueta.

Synopsis

Luna (she/they) is an artist from Brooklyn who attended the most prestigious schools for music. Early in their studies Luna gave up her name and became “Leslie” in an attempt to Americanize and obscure her South American Indigenous roots. They struggle now to feel connected with anyone or anything around them, especially after graduating. Invitations to make music are scarce and even when they do arrive she can barely sing in public.

Her recent dreams however are another matter completely. She’s found herself able to sing wordless melodies joyfully and will sometimes hear, faraway, a chorus joining them.

Tonight, however, the chorus moves closer and encircles Luna singing their true name and revealing themselves to be ancestors. Their ancestors invite Luna to remember herself, triggering a series of memories from Luna’s childhood drawing shapes, speaking Quichua, and learning ancestral recipes at the kitchen table. After a period of painful self-reflection, Luna reaffirms her identity and desire to reconnect with her Indigenous roots. Through the sharing of language and participation in collective ritual, Luna’s ancestors guide her to a state of self- acceptance and self-worth that ends with an affirmation to finally share a meal together after so many years apart.

Nicoletta Julia Berry, Luna
Mary-Hollis Hundley, Ancestor 1
Kate Morton, Ancestor 2
Syrena Torres, Ancestor 3
Kyle Dunn, Ancestor 4

Jen Pitt, Director
Gloria Yin, Music director
Parker Konkle, Pianist
Patrick Middlebrook, Sound designer
Gabi R., Lighting designer
Itzel Paola Martinez, Stage manager

Photos by Gary David Gold Photography and NUA Photography Co.