Get thee to a nunnery

Join these seven dead divas of the operatic canon as they reflect upon their untimely demises in group therapy, led by their wise and witty therapist: the one and only Despina.   This is the second original script by the Valkyrie Ensemble founders sprinkled with some of the most beloved arias and a new rendition of "The Cell Block Tango." This comic operatic cabaret comments on the overused trope of sacrificing the main female character by the time the curtain falls.   We claim no rights to the music used in this production.

CAST: 

Hannah Carroll as Carmen 

Katlyn Iacovino as Despina 

Ana Dragovich as Juliette 

Karen Hunt as Lucia 

Maddie Lawry as Gilda 

Marnie Baylouny as Mimi 

Alannah Spencer as Tosca 

Emily Crisp as Violetta 

Deena Grier on piano 

Featuring the world premiere of a new vocal work by composer Laura Jobin-Acosta, a current Inaugural Opera America IDEA Resident. Gaia’s “renaissance” must be realized with the help of Man(kind). Through our knowledge of her past, we can heal the present, and create a more unified, holistic future. Will you accept her invitation?

Julia Rahm as Gaia

Emily Crisp as Man

Marnie Baylouny as...(watch to find out) 😉

Directed by Karen Hunt

Script by Julia Rahm

Featuring pianist Deena Grier

Collaboratively devised by the full cast

The Gaia Gala is a journey into humankind’s relationship with the Divine Feminine. Gaia herself narrates the story of us: from our ancient roots as matriarchal societies intimately connected to the cycles of nature, to the rise of patriarchy and the glorification of war, to the current destruction and imbalance we have wreaked upon our home, planet Earth. Inspired by the form of a Masque, we will honor her by telling her story, which is also our story. And in doing so discover how patriarchy is intrinsically embedded in the dominance mentality of our relationship to the Great Woman we live upon and within, Gaia. How can we move forward in creative, healing, inclusive new ways, ensuring we live in harmony with nature and the whole diversity of life within it? It all starts with listening to Her.