I’ve mentioned before that the MN Opera Company has been letting myself and other local comics artists go to final full dress rehearsals of their operas. But, this year we were offered an additional, special opportunity.
It turns out, the MN Opera company has a kids program, that teaches kids grades 9 and up to sing opera and act! Which would explain the amount of fabulous opera talent we have around here. They were premiering an all-kids production of one of my favorite books from my childhood- The Giver by Lois Lowry. I was a bit nervous at the idea of listening to kids try to sing opera for close to two hours, but there was no need. There was not a sour note in the show, and a couple really moving performances. Particularly, the relationship between Jonas and The Giver was just as complex as it was in the book. Not only that, but both Lois Lowry and the librettist/composer, Susan Kander were there both before and during the show. I couldn’t find my copy of the book that day (it naturally showed up 2 days later) so they signed some of my sketches! It was so cool, and I got to share of of my favorite stories with a bunch of talented comic artists. I would tell you to go see this, but it was 100% sold out before opening night. The best I can offer is to let you live vicariously through my sketches, and strongly suggest you go grab the book. Click to enlarge.
In the world of “The Giver” emotions are tightly regulated, ritualized, muted, and reported in detail.
it is also devoid of color. Jonas can’t even name what he starts to see at age 12, right before he is assigned his future lifetime career.
At the Ceremony of Twelve he is selected to be The Receiver of Memories, and the Community is told that he can “see beyond”
Turns out, receiving the memories of the pre “Utopian” world isn’t so great.
I’m not going to explain this one. Read the book, if you haven’t.