A contemporary American opera based off a critically acclaimed memoir from a first-time author, will have its world premiere.
Brian Castner, a former Air Force officer, served as commander of an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit in the Iraqi War. His unit’s responsibility focused on dismantling and disposing enemy explosives. When a “road-side bomb” was discovered, his unit was called in.
His 2012 book, “The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life That Follows,” is a piece he started writing while still battling with anxiety.
Castner’s story had an immediate impact on Lawrence Edelson, artistic and general director of Opera Saratoga.
“The piece really hits home for me, said Edelson, who first read the book in 2012. “ My grandfather was in World War II. … For me, war is very much far away – over there. This opera brings it home. It tells the story of how our servicemen and women come back home to a world that has changed in their eyes.”
More than two years later, the book has now become an opera.
“We thought it was an important subject to engage head-on,” said Edelson. How do our soldiers intergrate back into society once they return home, come back to work and are introduced to their children,” he said. “It’s a moving and beautiful piece.”
“The Long Walk” is just another example of Edelson’s efforts to bring American contemporary operas to his audiences. Fans of traditional opera will still enjoy it, while novices can gain appreciation for the art without stumbling through language barriers. “I believe that every opera company is obligated to present a contemporary American Opera. It’s powerful and moving at times. … There are emotional scenes that happen in this opera, but it does end giving one a sense of hope.”
Castner recalls the phone call from his literary agent, when he first learned about the idea.“He called to say he had a proposition [and said], ‘but you have to promise not to laugh’.” The author said Edelson had pitched the idea to his agent. Through time, librettist Stephanie Fleischmann penned words to an opera composed by Jeremy Howard Beck. “I heard the music one evening last summer,” said Castner, “and the next morning I was signing it in my head.”
For tickets and information go to www.operasaratoga.org/the-long-walk.
