THEA MUSGRAVE
THE STORY OF HARRIET TUBMAN A narrated Music Drama based on the Opera "Harriet the Woman Called Moses." LIBRETTO by THEA MUSGRAVE Reduced orchestration by Julian Grant CAST Harriet ................................................................. Soprano Josiah, her fiancĂŠ.................................................. Baritone Rit, her mother ........................................ Mezzo-soprano Ben, her father ............................................................ Bass Benjie, a young man ...............................................Tenor Mr Garrett, a Quaker ......................................... Baritone Master/Abolitionist ................................................. Actor Preston, Master's son, / Sergeant ............................ Actor Overseer/Jailer ........................................................ Actor Cato, a teenager ......................................... (5-line)Actor
SUPERS Suellen, Preston's wife Two young children CHORUS of slaves ............................... S.S.A.A.T.T.B.B
ORCHESTRA 8 instrumentalists Flute: clarinet: horn: piano, doubling synthesizer: percussion (1 player): violin: viola: cello
In the production the CHORUS should be both observer and participant. At times they comment on the action and at others they join in. The Narration must be incorporated into the dramatic flow and the lines shared between cast and chorus as appropriate.
Duration: one-act c. 1½ hrs.