At the Time of Protests, Satyagraha Hits U.S.
By siliconindia   |   Wednesday, 16 November 2011, 00:15 IST   |    2 Comments
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At the Time of Protests, Satyagraha Hits U.S.
Bangalore: Satyagraha, renowned composer Philip Glass' innovative opera based on Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent means of protest against racism in South Africa, received delightful reviews at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. The unique concept of the opera show named Satyagraha, has text adaptations from the Bhagvad Gita which was sung in Sanskrit, a feature that made the show an outstanding one on the New York stage. Instead of following a conventional narrative, the show relies on imagery, music and symbols to highlight key moments in Mahatma Gandhi's life as he created the concept of Satyagraha. The actors of the show were Rachelle Durkin, Richard Croft, Kim Josephson, Alfred Walker. Satyagraha has come to the U.S. audience at a right time as Occupy Wall Street protest is gaining its momentum which is a non-violent way for protest demanding the government to bring in drastic changes in the financial system of the country. The opera is the second part of Phillip's famous trilogy of operas about important historical figures, which also includes Einstein on the Beach premiered in 1976 and Akhnaten premiered in1983. The show "Satyagraha" was premiered in 1980. This ritualistic drama is directed by Phelim McDermott with further direction and set designed by Julian Crouch. Two days prior to the show, New York's Philharmonic joined Philip Glass' ensemble to perform in a score of Godfrey Reggio's 1982 film " Koyaanisqatsi." The opera show uplifted the moralistic sentiments of the New Yorkers who got the rare opportunity to hear two of Philip's most compelling music. The second Glass Opera, Satyagraha was performed at the Met followed by the Voyage, a Met delegation that was premiered in 1992. Reports reveal that there will be seven performances taking place at the Met till December 1. The performance of Philips Glass is broadcasted live on Metropolitan Opera Radio on SIRIUS XM Channel 74 and is also run live on the Met's Web site, metopera.org. On November 19, the opera will be channeled worldwide as part of The Met: Live in HD series.