spotlight
THE FACE OF SELF-DISCOVERY WITH
BLYTHE GAISSERT KELLY MARKGRAF
by joel martens Every once in a while, you get to bear witness to something that changes
not only your view on the world but alters the course for everyone who comes in contact with it. A powerful book, film, work of art, a breathtaking natural setting or a beautiful piece of music that shifts your perspective on life, doing so on many different and deep levels. As One is definitely one of those moments. Conceived by Laura Kaminsky,
with libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed …It reaches in to its topic and opens it up in terms that everyone who sees it can relate to, even though the topic, for some, is as difficult a one to face and understand, as any they have taken
on.As One enlightens through telling the story of one transgender person’s innermost journey, telling it with humor, heartfelt pain and empathy. The 75-minute chamber opera illustrates the experiences of its sole transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she works to resolve the discord between her inner and outer self and the world she must inhabit. Two singers, in this case Baritone Kelly Markgraf and Mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert, take on different aspects of the central character. Brilliantly expressing the process of her burgeoning awareness, discovery process, eventual acceptance, as well as the ultimate peace she finds with who she has always been…all things inspired in part by the life of acclaimed filmmaker Kimberly Reed. As One’s rich libretto is powerful, filled with words that move the beautiful melodies and evocative harmonies forward and into your heart, make it unforgettable, illustrating in the way only music can, the struggles we all face about self-acceptance. Markgraf and Gaissert discuss the power and impactAs One has had on them and the audiences who have witnessed it.
He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people con- nect to. And that’s what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you.” - Hannah Harrington
30 RAGE monthly | NOVEMBER 2017 RAGE monthly
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