Oh dear David, I wish I could have been there to review the opera. The writer really doesn't know enough. She is so wrong about the costumes not being an integral part of the whole. Opera is an essence of things and the costumes should be an expression of what is happening as much as any other aspect of the performance. I realise that a university doesn't have the funds for a lavish performance but that should be an advantage in this opera. Simplicity is essential. I'm sure she fails to do justice to what happened. Many famous singers fail to sing articulately and give priority to the boom in their heads. I was so moved by what I heard of the piano rehearsal and more by what I read on the printed page. It's an opera that deserves to be professionally performed and directed as well as conducted.
I once saw a transcendental Italian production of Shakespeare's Tempest when the stage was almost entirely furnished with light effects. Less can be more in the right hands.
I hope that Lori Laitman's work and yours will not languish but will find another venue.
Janet
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