e1>3ktr=
Outline

learn more at music.calarts.edu/elektra

Story
e1>3ktr= is a contemporary treatment of the Greek tragedy "Elektra" by Euripides. The story as we know it tells of a woman (Elektra) troubled by unchecked hatred for her mother (Klytemnestra), an  adulteress who murdered her husband, Elektra's father, in retaliation for his murder of her youngest child.  Consumed by lust for revenge, Elektra conspires with her exiled brother, Orestes, to have her mother murdered. We come to the story at a particular moment in this episode of the tragedy- a point not commonly, if at all, dealt with in regards to this particular drama: the time immediately after the assassination of Elektra's mother. The text deals with Elektra's aggression toward her parent, mostly in terms of correspondence and introspective recollection. Elektra, portrayed by the Diva, delivers a non-stop stream-of-conscience dramatic oratorio of her acts, her motivations and her ensuing anxiety. With commentary by an electronnic interpretation of the Greek chorus (video, vocoder, the surrounding ensemble of DJ's and performers) it is Elektra's story with which we are primarily concerned. top

Concept
The arena of the Greek tragedy is strangely familiar to us in this modern age of information and technology. There are a good number of parallels to be drawn between this fictional story and modern melodramas revealed by contemporary heroes of daytime talk show-television. The likes of Jerry Springer and Sallie Jessie Raphael could be viewed as the epic writers if today, providing the stage and opening the dialog for real life tragedies.

e1>3ktr= is an opportunity to explore how the media that surrounds us in daily life can effectively shape ourselves and our lives. In an effort to blur delineation between "high" and "popular" art, the music utilizes a combination of classical 'bel canto' vocal style accompanied by contemporary electronics in its most popular form, the prerecorded, electronically generated "club single." The club DJ is interpreted as the modern orchestra, while the singer retains her traditional role as diva. In other respects, the orchestra, amplified flute, DJs (two: digital and analog), and VJ,  are taken out of their traditional roles even further by virtue of the fact that they are required to interpret roles and actively interact with and comment on the principle character and her actions. top

Staging
The central character of the story, Elektra,  stands in the center of a small arena clothed in an "Audio Dress," a coat fabricated from metal and wired to generate sound with small speakers  (see enclosed sketch).  Surrounding her in four corresponding stations are the orchestra consisting of two DJs (one digital, one analog), two VJs, and amplified flute (acting as Elektra's alter ego, a second voice with which to express her story). This presents a platform for a new interpretation of live performance. Electronics, especially in regards to club music, not commonly viewed as interpretive media, are utilized in this setting not only as interpretive, but communicative. Scenic configurations, score and staging all move toward the concept of "living installation" wherein traditionally static forms become dynamic. The score is based on a classical, operatic tradition, but will work with additional sound design elements to convey a contemporary message and atmosphere. The two DJs, following the score, will manipulate the live performance of the vocalist and flute, as well as manipulate prerecorded sounds and music. In a similar manner, video and live-action will be processed and manipulated and projected on scrims surrounding the arena area (see scenic design). Musicians interact according to an expanded form of a traditional musical score, conducted by one of the musicians on stage. The entire action takes place in this space in a one hour, ten minute, one act performance with no pauses or breaks. top

Collaboration
The libretto itself is designed as a document which may be realized any number of ways by each of the collaborators involved. Each collaborator is meant to draw upon the text document in a way fitting to her or his work, not bound by that which is cumbersome or inappropriate to her or his particular field. In this way, all available media can be utilized interpretively in the telling of the story, lending to a more rounded piece as a whole, not a piece which is weighted by the traditions of opera and theater. top

Performance Information
Score and audio parts rental information as well as grand rights information is available at Nicholas Chase Publishing or contact info@nicholaschase.net.
To request a performance by the original cast, please contact the composer by clicking here .
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