May 16-17, 8 pm The Chapel (Seattle)
[work-in-progress presentation]:
$15/$12 at door ($13 online)

In 2008, the Fisher Ensemble will premiere Psyche, a new opera by Garrett Fisher. Psyche is a spectacle of site and sound - combining direction/dramaturgy (Ken Cerniglia) choreography/co-direction (Christy Fisher), as well as full puppets and costumes (Tori Ellison). The opera is based on the Greek myth of Psyche and tells the story of wrathful Aphrodite and her quest to ruin Psyche, a mortal who is considered to be more beautiful than even the Greek Goddess herself. As with Garrett's other works, Psyche aims to explore similarities and differences between Eastern and Western traditions by combining such diverse elements as haiku (librettist/poet Thom Schramm), an eclectic ensemble (gongs, taiko, Indian harmonium, recorded beats, viola), melodies and rhythms that incorporate Indian classical traditions (2 vocalists, 2 actors), stylized movement (3 dancers), and puppets inspired by various Asian traditions. The piece will be presented first in Seattle, and then in New York City.