The Holy Cross Theatre Department with Boston Musica Viva Premieres The Bandit Queen

WORCESTER, Mass. – The department of theatre at College of the Holy Cross with Boston Musica Viva presents the world premiere of a ground-breaking new chamber opera, Phoolan Devi: The Bandit Queen. This multi-media chamber opera is composed by Shirish Korde, professor and chair of the music department at Holy Cross, and directed by Lynn Kremer, professor of theatre at Holy Cross. Korde and Kremer also co-wrote the libretto. The opera will be performed April 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. in Fenwick Theatre (located on the second floor of O’Kane) at Holy Cross, and on April 23 and 24 in Tsai Performance Center at Boston University.

An international cast of musicians, dancers, and singers will join Holy Cross and Boston Musica Viva, under the direction of Richard Pittman, including Zorana Sadiq and Elizabeth Keusch, sopranos; Aditya Kalyanpur, master tabla player; Chirag Katty, sitar; Mesma Belsare, Indian classical dancer; and world famous Balinese performers I Made Bandem and Ni Luh Suasthi. An ensemble of actors/dancers adds a powerful element to the production.

Phoolan Devi: The Bandit Queen is based on true events. This compelling story focuses on the life of Phoolan Devi, who was born into poverty, sold as a child bride, abducted by bandits, abused and victimized, imprisoned, and finally elected to India’s Parliament.  Just as she was assuming national recognition as a crusader for the poor, she was assassinated in 2001 at the age of 37.

This opera dramatizes the life of a fascinating and controversial figure whose turbulent life story exemplifies the violent tension between traditional values and modern notions of social justice.  Known as both a Robin Hood-like bandit and a reincarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga, Phoolan Devi was both feared and celebrated during her tragic life.

Korde’s contemporary score is a powerful synthesis of Asian and Western musical traditions. Drawing on the musical styles of India such as Vedic chant, Qawwali, Bollywood, and tabla drumming, as well as contemporary Western music, the composer unifies many diverse genres into a seamless lyrical score.

The musical richness of the piece is enhanced by multi-media video artist Raphaele Shirley’s original video projections. The projections add an exciting visual aspect to the production and provide an abstract backdrop for the retelling of this powerful contemporary story.

For tickets to the Worcester performances contact the box office: (508) 793-2496. For tickets to the Boston performances visit www.bmv.org or call (617) 354-6910.

On April 11 at 5 p.m., some of the musicians from the opera and Korde will be presenting a special preview concert featuring musical excerpts from The Bandit Queen at the Peabody Essex Museum.  This concert is a special feature in the “Spectacular India” Weekend.