Both Eyes Open is a chamber opera that tells a haunting love story and tale of perseverance about a Japanese American farmer and his wife, who are incarcerated in an American concentration camp during the hysteria of World War II. He endures and reclaims a vibrant humanity in the face of betrayal and sacrifice. This opera-theater hybrid features the latest stagecraft side-by-side with elements of ancient traditions, in a poetic melding of historical atrocity and the whimsical lore of the Daruma "Wishing" Doll. The music ranges from soaring lyricism to taiko drumming, big band, and undulating electronic samples. Vivid scenic projections enhance this surreal, psychological journey of awakening.
"[Gotanda's] work is graceful, elegant, open-hearted, and economical. His intentions are serious, his ambitions are worthy, and his observations about human nature are particularly acute. These are surprising, beautiful plays, deserving of both readers and audiences." -- Tony Kushner
show less
"[Gotanda's] work is graceful, elegant, open-hearted, and economical. His intentions are serious, his ambitions are worthy, and his observations about human nature are particularly acute. These are surprising, beautiful plays, deserving of both readers and audiences." -- Tony Kushner
Both Eyes Open is a chamber opera that tells a haunting love story and tale of perseverance about a Japanese American farmer and his wife, who are incarcerated in an American concentration camp during the hysteria of World War II. He endures and reclaims a vibrant humanity in the face of betrayal and sacrifice. This opera-theater hybrid features the latest stagecraft side-by-side with elements of ancient traditions, in a poetic melding of historical atrocity and the whimsical lore of the Daruma "Wishing" Doll. The music ranges from soaring lyricism to taiko drumming, big band, and undulating electronic samples. Vivid scenic projections enhance this surreal, psychological journey of awakening.
"[Gotanda's] work is graceful, elegant, open-hearted, and economical. His intentions are serious, his ambitions are worthy, and his observations about human nature are particularly acute. These are surprising, beautiful plays, deserving of both readers and audiences." -- Tony Kushner
read more
"[Gotanda's] work is graceful, elegant, open-hearted, and economical. His intentions are serious, his ambitions are worthy, and his observations about human nature are particularly acute. These are surprising, beautiful plays, deserving of both readers and audiences." -- Tony Kushner
show less
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Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center
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99 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94129
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