E.G.: A MUSICAL PORTRAIT OF EMMA GOLDMAN
(1869-1940), with music by Leonard J. Lehrman and words by Lehrman and Karen Ruoff Kramer
Set in 1933, “E.G.” is a music-theater biography of the legendary Russian Jewish American Anarchist Emma Goldman. She defends her life as an anarchist, activist, and revolutionary thinker as she attempts to re-enter the America that had deported her in 1919. The piece combines musical numbers, spoken monologues, melodrama, historical photos, and audience interaction to create a kaleidoscopic portrait of Goldman’s life, ideals, and struggles. Caryn Hartglass plays Emma Goldman. Piano accompaniment is by composer Leonard Lehrman, who also portrays all the men in Emma’s life. These include the artist Modest Stein, the roustabout Ben Reitman, and especially Alexander Berkman (“Sasha”), a leader of the anarchist movement in the early 20th century who was famous for his political activism and writing. In the opera, he is a confidant and chorus who frames the narrative and provides a counterpoint to Emma’s voice. Visuals include 266 projections and a newsreel, all operated by Janet Kalish.
“E.G.” celebrates the life of a woman who dared to defy authority, insist on justice, and assert that love, art, and anarchism could coexist–leaving audiences to consider what it means to live and fight for one’s convictions. Musical passages serve both narrative and ideological purposes, dramatizing philosophical debates and historical events. Audience interaction and repetition of chants reinforce Goldman’s enduring message about anarchism, resistance, reproductive freedom and social responsibility.
https://theaterforthenewcity.net/
Friday, January 9 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 10 at 8:00 PM
Thursday, January 15 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 18 at 3:00 PM
Friday, January 23 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 24 at 8:00 PM
Runs 90 min. incl. intermission
CAST
Caryn Hartglass – Emma Goldman
Leonard Lehrman – The Men in her Life
PRODUCTION
Composer/Librettist/Pianist – Leonard Lehrman
Music and direction – Leonard Lehrman
Lyrics – Leonard Lehrman and Karen Ruoff Kramer
Stage Manager – Geoffrey Carlson
Set Design – Lytza Colón
Light Design – Marsh Shugart
Adviser to the production – Lissa Moira
This opera includes music inspired by the American Musical, encompassing many different styles.