Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 9 - Proximity

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 18 Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Production Circle. Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Of cial Airline,American Airlines. LED Video Screens provided by H & X Technologies Additional Costumes by: The Costume Shop,Chicago Media Servers provided by Mental Motion APPROXIMATE TIMINGS Act 1 1 hour 5 minutes Intermission 25 minutes Act 2 40 minutes Total 2 hours 10 minutes ACT I SCENE 1 The Walkers, “History” Where indicated, words spoken or sung come from interviews. Curtis, Arne, and Preacher Man discuss how Chicago’s gang structure has become exponentially more fractured and chaotic over the decades. As counselors and spiritual advisors, they walk with and support those who are trying to escape the cycle of violence. Bilal, a hero for the youth, is expected home from prison. All hope that he will be able to bring peace to some of Chicago’s blocks. SCENE 2 Four Portraits, “The Phone” A couple—A and B—tries to connect by phone among the network of voices in the air. B, alone in her room, misses her partner. SCENE 3 The Walkers, “Collaboratin” Two rival gangs of boys, led by Chief’s Son 1 and Chief’s Son 2, quickly patch together an armistice as Bilal is expected to return. An all-female gang suddenly appears on the scene, led by Chief’s Daughter 1, Chief’s Daughter 2, and Very Loud Girl, to greet the returning Bilal. Chief’s Daughter 1 explains how violence becomes habituated in childhood. Bilal returns and shares the wisdom he has gained in prison. He warns the group about cycles of incarceration, and the related human cost. As he leaves, a mysterious delivery of a box of guns riles up the group. In a agrant provocation, Chief’s Daughter 1 attempts to bribe Lil’ Bunchy Bates, the cousin of Chief’s Son 2, to join her gang. Lil’ Bunchy Bates runs away, but the precarious peace is now broken, and the armed gangs go separate ways threatening each other. SCENE 4 Four Portraits, “The Train” B takes the “L” train and thinks of A, surrounded by the thoughts and voices of her fellow passengers and the city around her. PRODUCTION SPONSORS An Anonymous Donor Synopsis TIME | 21st century PLACE | Chicago