Act Too Studio Opera Workshop is an ongoing, student-driven educational arts project with performances throughout the year, including a fully-staged opera each summer.
This year, we’ve embarked on a very special project, Il sogno d’Arianna, a full-length, original narrative adapted from the works of 17th-century composer Claudio Monteverdi, woven from excerpts from his operas, madrigals, and other works.
Drawing on the framework of Monteverdi’s “Lamento d’Arianna,” the sole surviving fragment of his opera L’Arianna, Il sogno d’Arianna begins with the tale of Ariadne, princess of Crete, and her abandonment by Athenian hero Theseus on the island of Naxos. Joined by an assembly of women hailing from Monteverdi’s many sources, including Greek myth and Torquato Tasso’s epic 16th-century poem La Gerusalemme liberata (Jerusalem Delivered), Ariadne seeks comfort and meaning in their shared stories, told through both music dance.
In addition to L’Arianna, the piece includes excerpts from Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, as well as pieces from his 8th book of madrigals and selected Scherzi Musicali (“Lamento della ninfa,” “Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda,” “Zefiro torna e di soavi accenti,” “Chiome d’oro“and many more). For this project, the Workshop has created its own new editions of these works, including new English translations and arrangements adapted specifically for its teen singers.
This project does not stop at our production, however. By sharing and/or donating to this campaign, not only are you supporting these extraordinary teens and their talents, but you are also part of the creation of a NEW full-length classical stage piece, that we intend to make available for use by others for years to come. We will publish our new English libretto and newly-edited score for licensed use by other educational institutions, to help share our love for this work for years to come. Though this music dates back centuries, our new English libretto and its original narrative will bring Monteverdi’s exquisite work to life for new audiences, and will also contribute to what is now a very small number of full-length operatic works suitable for young singers.
You can help us complete this passionately-created work and give it a truly glorious launch into the world by spreading the word to your family and friends and/or making a small donation if you’re able. Please help us expand our reach! Help us bring the beauty of Monteverdi’s work to our community and yours!
DONATE at Indiegogo.