Hunger (2014-, work in progress)
A Multimedia Opera in Four Parts
for soprano, mezzo-soprano, baritone, alto flute, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, electric guitar, percussion, piano, violin, cello, electronics, & video
CREATION & BRIEF SYNOPSIS:
Knut Hamsun's novel Sult is a point of departure for a libretto by award-winning poet Darcie Dennigan, exploring themes of psychological decay, irrationality, and self-destruction. Oumenos is a starving and delusional young writer who is unwilling to compromise his work even as his intellect and body gradually deteriorate. He is split in two; the baritone and soprano form a composite, each depicting aspects of his inner/outer selves and suppressed madness. His hunger and self-disgust lead him to consider stealing bread, and to thoughts of self-mutilation. He despises his baseness. He is a dog. He is drawn to Ylajali (mezzo-soprano), a young girl who appears to him in various manifestations... more at www.hungeropera.com