Eleanor
A Premiere by Niccolo Seligman
Alkemie premieres a performance of a new opera, ELEANOR, with libretto and music by core member Niccolo Seligmann. Alkemie will perform a concert version (semi-staged) of this work that explores the life of the historical figure Eleanor Rykener, who was arrested in December 1394 in London's Cheapside while wearing female attire - sparking a court debate as to whether to charge Rykener with prostitution (which would apply to a woman) or sodomy (which would apply to a man).
While it is impossible to fully understand Rykener’s life and experience from one court document, Seligmann uses this starting-off point to explore themes of acceptance, identity, and gender in medieval England, incorporating texts by contemporaries Christine de Pisan (1364 – c. 1430), Eustache Deschamps (1346-1406), and Kalonymus ben Kalonymus (1286 – c. 1328). Seligmann identifies as non-binary, the role will be premiered by non-binary soprano Elisse Albian.
World Premiere
All tickets are general admission.
Supporter = $50, General = $30, Student/Artist/Economic Need = $15
Time/Date: Saturday, April 25
Location: TBD
All tickets are general admission.
Supporter = $50, General = $30, Student/Artist/Economic Need = $15
Time/Date: Saturday, April 25
Location: TBD
Alkemie maintains a no-one-turned-away policy. Please contact info@alkemie.org if you need to arrange for reduced ticket pricing.
Featured Artists
Elisse Albian, soprano
Alyssa Weathersby, director
Niccolo Seligman, composer
“Quote from Niccolo or from program notes or something!”
ARTISTS
Elisse Albian (soprano)
Tracy Cowart (voice, medieval harps)
Ben Matus (voice, hümmelchen, recorders)
David McCormick (vielle)
Sian Ricketts (voice, recorders, douçaines)
Niccolo Seligmann (vielle, psaltery, percussion)
Ellie Sutherland (voice, percussion)
Alyssa Weathersby (director, choreographer)
ACTORS TO BE ADDED