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2007 Tour: The Passion of Saint Thomas More
by Garrett Fisher

Classics Today

The Passion of Saint Thomas MoreGarrett Fisher, acclaimed by The New Yorker as "a star of Seattle's new music scene who has been deeply influenced by Japanese Noh theatre and Chinese opera," brought his ensemble to New York City's HERE Arts Center and Judson Memorial Church, as well as to Kansas City, to perform The Passion of Saint Thomas More. TimeOut New York described the work as "spare, elegant, and beautiful" and the New York Magazine described the Fisher Ensemble as "innovative."

Read The Stranger's article on the opera [read]
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Originally written and presented in 1995, The Passion of Saint Thomas More is an opera based on the historical figure Saint Thomas More. Rather than follow a literal interpretation of an historical situation, the work a meditation on the integrity of More's sublimely difficult decision to remain true to his convictions. Originally premiered in 1995, the 2007 production includes choreography by Christy Fisher, masks by Louise McCagg and direction by Ken Cerniglia.

Fisher, considered by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s Richard Campbell as one of Seattle’s “most prominent” young composers, is inspired by such theatrical forms as Japanese Noh Theater and Chinese opera, and works with collaborators who bring out the stylized elements inherent to his opera.  Joining him is long-time collaborator Choreographer Christy Fisher (Seattle, WA), whose dance was lauded as “wonderfully archetypal” (The Seattle Weekly), and Director/Dramaturg Ken Cerniglia (New York, NY), who has been part of two previous productions.  Mask-maker Louise McCagg (New York, NY) has designed headpieces made of paper, to be worn by the three leading characters.  The Seattle Weekly writes:  “these life-size paper faces, cast from actual human models, are as beautiful and eerie as death masks.  And yet, the overall theatrical effect is of a mask singing through the mouth of its heart.”

Music and libretto: Garrett Fisher; Choreography: Christy Fisher. Direction: Ken Cerniglia. Masks: LouiseMcCagg. Vocalists: Kathy Hanson, Linda Strandberg, David Stutz; English horn: Taina Karr; Indian harmonium: Garrett Fisher; Dumbek: Dean Moore; Guitar: Matt Anderson (Seattle), Jay Kauffman (New York); Dancer: Christy Fisher.

 

 

 

 


[Open Separate Page for Continuous Radioplay]
David Garland Interviews Garrett Fisher
on WNYC-FM 93.9's "Spotlight Series"

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