Details
- 70
- Soprano, Five Actors, Flute/Piccolo/Alto Flute, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Violin, Bass, Percussion, Piano, Live Electronics, Tape
Score Excerpts
Program Notes
Madrugada was written between 1992 and 1995. It is based on texts by Patrick Friesen, and tells of the spiritual quest of an unnamed traveler, who over the course of the work has a series of symbolic encounters with wise yet enigmatic and challenging ciphers: a reader of cards, a rhyming savant, a mute healer, a barker of the carnival of life. Hovering over and moving through this world is an Old Woman, leader of the spirit/demons, a gatherer of bones, the animating spirit of human life.
Financial assistance for the creation and development of this work was generously provided by the Canada Council and the Manitoba Arts Council.
The world premier took place on April 26, 27 and 28, 1995 at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre, Winnipeg. This production was developed in collaboration with director Richard Fowler, Primus Theatre, the Thira Ensemble, and the GroundSwell new music series. The performers were:
Primus Theatre
Don Kitt
Tannis Kowalchuk
Stephen Lawson
Karin Randoja
Ker Wells
Thira
Therese Costes, Soprano
Laurel Ridd, Flutes
Lori Freedman, Clarinets
Paule Préfontaine, Violin
Steve Hamilton, Bass
Rob Gardner, Percussion
Mary Jo Carrabré, Keyboards
Michael Matthews, Electronics
The production was directed by Richard Fowler
Lighting Design by Don Kitt
Stage Manager Jane Wells