The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 (opera)
| Philip Glass |
|---|
 |
|
Operas
|
The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 is a full-scale opera by Philip Glass with a libretto by Doris Lessing.
The opera was co-commissioned by English National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam and Theater Kiel, and co-produced with Artpark, Lewiston, New York State.
Contents |
[edit] Performance history
The opera was first performed at Houston Grand Opera on 8 July 1988. The British premiere was 9 November 1988 by English National Opera at the London Coliseum.[1] This production was broadcast live in the UK on Radio 3 on 13 December 1988. Due to a technical fault, scene four from Act III was not broadcast.
[edit] Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 8 July 1988 (Conductor: Michael Lloyd) |
|---|---|---|
| Doeg Memory-maker and Storyteller | Andrew Shore | |
| Johor Canopean agent | Richard Angas | |
| Klin Tender of Fruits and Plants | Gillian Webster | |
| Marl Keeper of the Herds | Simon Masterton-Smith | |
| Bratch Guardian of Health | Tamsin Dives | |
| Pedug Teacher of the Young | John Kitchiner | |
| Rivalin Custodian of the Lake | Jady Pearl | |
| Masson the Builder | Peter Bamber | |
| Alsi a young woman | Lesley Garrett | |
| Nooni a young man | Christopher Gillett |
[edit] Synopsis
The people of Planet 8 are peaceful and content, until one of the Canopean Agents arrives and tells them to prepare for an impending ice age. The embattled population fights courageously in the face of certain death, and their efforts are transformed when they become the one single 'representative' of the planet's people and culture.
[edit] Recordings
Unlike many of Philip Glass's other operas, The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 has not been recorded for CD sale.
[edit] References
- Notes
- ^ English National Opera programme notes. Henrietta Bredin (editor), Battley Brothers Printers, London.
