Information courtesy of Shenandoah Conservatory

Poetry by Allen Ginsberg
Music by Philip Glass
©1990 Dunvagen Music Publishers. Used by Permission

Set in an intimate black box studio and directed by our Director of Opera Ella Marchment, Opera Up Close features small ensembles, but big ideas. Hydrogen Jukebox (1990) is a compelling and provocative chamber opera featuring original choreography by Lindsay Browning and fresh stage direction by Ella Marchment set to music by Philip Glass and the words of iconic beat poet Allen Ginsberg.

Named for and inspired by Ginsberg’s 1955 poem Howl, Hydrogen Jukebox is a melodrama that creates a portrait of the sensory overload and upheaval of America from the 1950s through the 1980s — covering the end of World War II through the thick of the Cold War. Through a special collaboration with the Dance Division, and accompanied by a live chamber ensemble, this production powerfully explores the difficult, often ugly, growing pains of our country.

Sung in English with chamber ensemble accompaniment

Directed by Ella Marchment
Music direction by Wei-Han Wu
Assistant music direction by Dina Spyropoulos
Choreography by Lindsay Browning in collaboration with dancers