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FULL On Call: COVID-19 (Shenton) Online-Opera Chicago 2021 Brown Caraman Hoke Eun Joo Ratner Steyer
Information on the Performance
- Work Title: On Call: COVID-19
- Composer: Shenton David
- Libretto: Christine Steyer
- Venue & Opera Company: Online-Opera, Chicago, Belissima Opera
- Recorded: 2021
- Type: Other
- Singers: Gwendolyn Brown, Emanuel-Cristian Caraman, Russell Hoke, Jeong Eun Joo, Carl Ratner, Christine Steyer
- Conductor:
- Orchestra: David Shenton, piano
- Stage Director: Carl Ratner
- Costume Designer:
Information about the Recording
- Published by: Belissima Opera
- Date Published: 2021
- Format: Streaming
- Quality Video: 4 Audio:4
- Subtitles: yessubs, ensubs
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS PERFORMANCE
On Call” Opera Synopsis – 3 Scenes
Characters are identified by location, as in “Chicago HCW” (Health Care Worker). Each scene (April, September, and December 2020) begins with the actual COVID statistics of infected and deceased persons for each location.
April—In a moment of crisis, the Chicago HCW connects virtually with 5 Health Care Workers with whom she has friendships. She expresses frustration by lack of supplies and questions returning to work. The New York HCW then admits he may have caused the death of his grandmother. The Lombardy HCW sings about the resiliency of Italians and the Seoul HCW translates it into English. The Chicago HCW resolves to return to work.
September—The Lombardy HCW is recovering from COVID; the Lebanon HCW explains the refugee situation is worsening due to the Beirut explosion; the Rio de Janeiro HCW states how deforestation spreads COVID. The Seoul HCW and the Lombardy HCW join in with other grievances. The Chicago HCW interrupts them to say that these calls should be a place of healing rather than an echo-chamber for disheartening news. The Chicago HCW insists that if they meet again, they should each find something good to share with the group.
New Year’s Eve—Everyone shares a positive anecdote. They also note that compassion is as precious a tool as vaccine and ventilator and that the lifeline they provide each other will extend into the larger world.