The Broken Performer
Where vulnerability meets artistic truth — A collection of production ideas, research, and pedagogic musings.
Amélie: Navigating Neglect and Risking Vulnerability
Amélie’s arc is one of overcoming childhood neglect, learning to love, and risking vulnerability. This, in my opinion, is one of the most topical themes for today’s ever isolated and divided communities.
Amélie: Guimard, Art Nouveau, and the Scenic Aesthetic
An exploration of Jeunet’s idealized Paris, Guimard’s contributions to the Art Nouveau aesthetic therein, combined with a scenic moodboard to be considered for scenic and lighting design.
Amélie: La couleur de l'etrangete
An exploration of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s use of color in his 2001 film, Le Fableux Destin de Amélie Poulin (or just Amélie). I also explore color symbolism in the film and the power of color as not just an aesthetic, but a narrative device.
Psychological Themes of Zazà
An examination of Zazà’s psychological themes of addiction to new romance and the concept of trauma bonding.
The Visual Language of Zazà
An exploration of fin-de-siècle advertising art and graphic design and its influence on the visual language of Crane Opera Ensemble’s upcoming production of Leoncavallo’s Zazà
Leoncavallo, Zazà & The Giovane Scuola
A brief history of the giovane scuola, the verismo movement, and Leoncavallo’s career leading up to Zazà.
Mahagonny & Medium: The Search for Meaning
What themes unify these operas and how do we, as artists, benefit from exploring them?
Mahagonny Songspiel - A Concept
Initial concept and research for Mahagonny Songspiel by Kurt Weill and Bertold Brecht.