FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE AMERICAN OPERA PROJECT RELEASES FIRST ISSUE OF COUNTERCULTURE “‘ZINE” TO ACCOMPANY REVOLUTIONARY OPERA IN DEVELOPMENT, EAT THE DOCUMENT
 
Self-published magazine with exclusive music can be ordered for free on AOP website

 

February 7, 2022
 
 
Brooklyn, NY - The American Opera Project (AOP) has released the first issue of a self-published “‘Zine” providing a unique trip into the revolutionary world of Eat The Document, a new opera written by composer John Glover and librettist Kelley Rourke, directed by Kristin Marting, and now in development at AOP. A handmade collection of images, essays and activities in the spirit of American counterculture pamphlets of the late 20th century, the interactive ETD ‘Zine #1 is also the exclusive pathway to a set of songs from the opera recorded in 2021 accessed through QR codes. The first of three anticipated issues features bold graphic design by William Mazza and original photos by Bev Grant and is available for FREE with a suggested donation at www.aopopera.org/eat-the-document. Stock is limited. All donations go to support the development of Eat the Document at AOP.

Based on the bold and moving 2006 novel by Dana Spiotta (Wayward: A Novel, Innocents and Others, Stone Arabia) about a fugitive radical from the 1970s who has lived in hiding for twenty-five years, Eat the Document is a story of activism, sacrifice, and the cost of living a secret. Shifting between the protests in the 1970s and the consequences of those choices in the 1990s, Eat the Document explores the connection between the two eras — their language, activism, technology, and music, from the the voice-driven choral textures of the Beach Boys to the orchestral sweep of Joni Mitchell albums in the 70s, and from the psychedelic energy of George Clinton’s folk rock band Funkadelic to 90s alternative rock. Lucy (2014), the first of Glover and Rourke’s many collaborations, received development support from AOP before going on to full productions at Milwaukee Opera Theater, Urban Arias and Eugene Opera, as well as a recording on New Focus Records.

For more information about Eat the Document, and to claim your free ‘Zine, visit: www.aopopera.org/eat-the-document


CREATIVE TEAM
John Glover, composer
Kelley Rourke, librettist
Based on the novel by Dana Spiotta
Kristin Marting, director

‘ZINE NO. 1 CAST
Justine Aronson as Mary/Caroline
Amy Justman as Louise
Paul Pinto as Nash
Tim Russell as Bobby/Jason
Jonathan Woody as Henry
 
BAND
Mila Henry, music director and piano
Abi Fayette, violin I
Rachel Shapiro, violin II
Jessica Meyer, viola
Andrew Yee, cello
Liz Faure, guitar
 
SOUND
Mike Gurfield, producer
Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center:
Ken Feldman, engineer

'Zine Graphic Design by William Mazza. Photo of “G.I.’s Against the War” by Bev Grant, licensed with permission. 
ABOUT THE AMERICAN OPERA PROJECT
Founded in 1988, The American Opera Project (AOP) has been at the forefront of contemporary opera for over 30 years. Its works have received critical acclaim at opera companies and venues around the world, establishing a new musical canon that recognizes the operatic story in every life. 

Press for AOP:
"known for bringing cutting-edge vocal productions to the masses" — New York Magazine
"a perfect first exposure to opera." — Time Out NY
"Bravo to AOP for supporting such controversial and ultimately important work." — Opera Today
"The future of American opera is in good hands." — Opera News

Media Contact: Meagan Brus, Director of Marketing and Communications
email: mbrus@aopopera.org
Press material is available at: www.aopopera.org/press
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