FIRST LOOK OPERATIC PRESENTATION

Mila, Great Sorcerer

January 12 & 13 at 1PM | Post-show conversation on Jan 12 at Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Folk hero, singer, and spiritual teacher, Milarepa has been venerated for one thousand years. But as a child, directed by his mother, he wields black magic against the aunt and uncle that stole his inheritance, and destroys his entire village. His remorse sends him on a life journey from mass murder to enlightenment. Set to lush orchestration melding Eastern and Western sounds, his transformation and redemption into the most revered teacher of Tibetan Buddhism offer hope and spiritual wayfinding to all who regret acts of consequence and seek higher ground.

 

It is with deep respect for Tibetan culture and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism that Mila, Great Sorcerer was commissioned and conceived. This opera showcases an epic tale that originates in Tibet, elaborating on it to create a narrative that addresses shared human experiences, such as redemption and enlightenment. This version of Milarepa’s remarkable life is told by non-Tibetans, but with veneration for all that Tibetan culture offers the world. Renowned Himalayan artist Tsherin Sherpa contributed to the set, which also includes works from the Rubin Museum of Tibetan and Himalayan Art. The score emerges from composer Andrea Clearfield’s long-term engagement with Himalayan musicians and Tibetan musical traditions. Venerable Lama Losang Samten, previous Personal Attendant to His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, has expressed his support for the Mila project since its inception. Although the creative team may not have been born in Tibet, we have been deeply moved by its spirituality and history. We offer this creative, contemporary interpretation of Mila in a spirit of cultural humility and appreciation.

 

Produced by New Vision for Opera NYC

 

Commissioned by Gene Kaufman and Terry Eder Kaufman

 

Mila, Great Sorcerer is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

 

2 hours and 20 minutes with intermission | Image courtesy of the Rubin Museum of Art

 

Photo By Paula Court

 

 

$30
$25 with PROTO Pack
$60 Premium seats available through the Premium PROTO Pack as an automatic upgrade.

Get Tickets

Gerald W. Lynch Theater
524 W 59th Street

 

PUBLIC TRANSIT
Subway: A, B, C, D, or 1 to 59th Street Columbus Circle
Bus: M57, M31, and M11

Andrea Clearfield

Jean-Claude van Itallie

Lois Walden

Kevin Newbury

Manoj Kamps