Metropolitan Opera Presents ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’

The Metropolitan Opera debuts a new production adapted from George Saunders’ Booker Prize-winning novel, Lincoln in the Bardo. This opera captures the raw emotion of President Abraham Lincoln grieving his son’s death during the Civil War. Set in a supernatural realm between life and the afterlife, adapting the novel posed challenges eagerly embraced by the creative team.

Before the opera begins, an eerie atmosphere envelops the audience as the chandeliers and lights flicker. As the curtain rises, the scene reveals a graveyard at night with a child walking through it. Suddenly, ghosts rise from the graves and play kazoos. Composer Missy Mazzoli, who made history as the first female composer with a world premiere at the Met, explains her intention to create a sound signaling a departure from everyday reality.

The source novel, featuring narration by 166 characters during the Civil War era, is surreal. After Willie Lincoln’s death, Lincoln visits the graveyard, unaware of the spirits watching, who themselves remain oblivious of their own deaths. Mazzoli believes the novel’s surreal qualities are ideal for an operatic adaptation.

Librettist Royce Vavrek, a long-time collaborator with Mazzoli, simplified the narrative to focus on five characters while respecting Saunders’ imaginative storytelling. One notable character, the Reverend, is portrayed by dramatic soprano Christine Goerke. Known for her roles in Wagner and Strauss operas, Goerke performs a role crafted by Mazzoli to match her voice. The Reverend, aware of his death, continues shepherding souls, including Willie and Lincoln.

Director Lileana Blain-Cruz highlights the opera’s challenge of portraying the interplay of pain and hope. Techniques like puppetry, pyrotechnics, and stage magic bring elements to life, supported by Mazzoli’s orchestration. “Matterlightblooming,” a term Saunders invented, describes spirits exploding into the next phase, creating theatrical moments.

Alongside Willie, Lincoln experiences his own bardo, grieving his son while reflecting on the war’s toll. The graveyard encounter provides him strength, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose towards ending the Civil War and healing the nation.

Despite its somber themes, the opera promises to highlight life and joy amidst grief. Blain-Cruz assures that audiences will find brightness within its dark corners, drawing from Saunders’ rich narrative and Vavrek’s thoughtful adaptation.