Summary:

A unique and surprising work that begins with a shipwreck that leaves a baby girl alone on an island, A Shipwreck Opera is a powerful and touching one-act opera that features a score by esteemed composer John B Hedges with libretto by renowned author Aimee Bender. 

Description:

Powerful and touching, A Shipwreck Opera, winner of the Long Leaf Opera’s one-act opera competition, features a score by esteemed composer John B Hedges with libretto by renowned author Aimee Bender (The Girl in the Flammable Skirt, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake). The opera is a unique and surprising work that begins with a shipwreck that leaves a baby girl alone on an island. She is raised and loved by a tree, and as she grows, she forms relationships with the wind and the sea and another human who happens to come by. It is a moving story about family and growing up. The performance will feature USC singers with music by the Definiens Project and will be followed by a discussion with Bender and Hedges.

Organized by Aimee Bender (English), Michael Kreiner (Definiens Project) and Jennifer Stevenson (Residential Education). Co-sponsored by the Office for Residential Education.