Summary
During the summer of 2020, we supported the recording of a commissioned opera at Reimagining Opera for Kids. Ana Y Su Sombra follows the story of a young girl, Ana, who is the daughter of diplomats to the United States. Out of terrible homesickness for Mexico, she hides herself away – however, her shadow wants to explore and participate in the world where they are living. The two part ways over this disagreement, and ultimately discover whether they can live separately, or must reconcile. This opera was premiered in 2013-2014, and with the help of Jacobs School Faculty Michael Shell, ROK recorded the opera this past summer so it could be presented virtually in as many locations as possible.
The live recording of the opera along with curricular exercises and materials were provided to partner organizations throughout South Central Indiana. These organizations were granted access these materials directly through the ROK website so they could be shared with young students in educational environments. The opera itself is sung in Spanish with English narration, running about 30 minutes. This project has helped carry on the ROK mission of introducing children and youth to opera through free or accessibly subsidized performances and curriculum guides.
“Everyone was there, heart and soul, for sure. There was an unusual level of commitment to the characters, especially considering that they weren’t actually there with anybody. You’re basically talking to a lampshade.”
– Kim Carballo, ROK Executive Director