The Scarlet Ibis

Inspired by the short story by James Hurst, The Scarlet Ibis is an opera about brotherhood, illness, and the power of the imagination to soar above physical limitations. This world premiere by composer Stefan Weisman (Darkling) and librettist David Cote fuses singers, puppetry, and multimedia stagecraft to tell the story of a remarkable disabled boy whose older brother pushes him to be “normal.” Set in rural North Carolina a century ago, The Scarlet Ibis contrasts notions of physical wholeness with mystical otherness. Episodic and expressionistic, the narrative draws on elements of Southern Gothic, boy’s adventure, and domestic tragedy. OBIE Award-winning director Mallory Catlett stages the premiere, and Steven Osgood conducts the American Modern Ensemble. For audiences 10 and up.

The Scarlet Ibis is a part of our third annual PROTOTYPE Festival, co-produced with Beth Morrison Projects. For more information on the artists, works and events in this year’s festival please visit the PROTOTYPE website.”