Description of Event:

“The Riddle of the Old Man & His Nurse”

Is a phase within the experimental opera being developed by Lucada Mélange titled “Les Berceaux & the Lighthouse” Mvmt 2: “Forest Junctions”

Themes: Addiction & Codependency

An old man dwells in a small home in the Forest. He is cared for by his nurse who feeds him poisonous mushrooms to keep him sick, so that she has someone to nurse back to health. When he realizes that she’s doing this, he purposeful continues to eat the poisonous mushroom, so he can be cared for by her.

‘A Safe House in Tenderloin”

Themes: Addiction & fear of self actualization

“A Safe House in Tenderloin,” created by Lucada Mélange, featuring Carmen’s “Habanera” by Bizet sung by Dianna Cortez (mezzo-soprano), Donna Ahmadi (Butoh & choreography), and Derek J. Weagle (orchestral arrangement) is an eco-feminist and female reclamation piece highlighting the history of crime, drugs, and prostitution in the Garment District, formerly known as the “Tenderloin District.” With the resonances of “Blue Bird” by Bukowski, this piece explores themes that allude to the right to a woman’s safe house in her body and a deep yearning to be freed from human trafficking.