ICELAND
By O-Lan Jones and Emmett Tinley
A contemporary love story that plays with the ancient mythology of the country itself, ICELAND begins with a seemingly chance encounter between Vala, a disillusioned architect in search of answers, and Mundi, a dispirited wilderness guide mentally scarred by a climbing accident some years before. The heroine and hero embark on separate journeys across the physical and emotional terrain of a glacier, which catapults them into the realm of The Hiddenfolk and the Mythic Beasts. Through Vala and Mundi’s opposing trajectories and eventual union, ICELAND explores – using movement, music, and design – how longing, courage, and the transcendent power of love create a vibrant relationship between the intimacy of human life and the vast dynamic life of the earth.The piece features an ensemble cast of 14 and an 11-piece chamber orchestra. Jones’ music scores the Hidden World, home to the Huldufólk or Hiddenfolk, beings who live in a parallel world to humans. Tinley’s songs – based in a singer-songwriter folk tradition – give voice to Vala and Mundi’s human desires. The two composers’ styles weave together to create a rich texture in which the Human and the Hidden coexist.
Michael Harris, Executive Producer of the Iceland Project
Cast: Ariel Andrew, Marieke de Koker, Oliver Demers, Perri di Christina, Clayton Matthews, Nancy McArthur, A.C. "Ace" McCarthy, Matthew Moron, Matt Mueller, Carlos Pedroza, Isabel Springer, Andrew Wannigman, Angela Yam, Nivi Ravi
Creative Team:
Composer/Librettists: O-Lan Jones and Emmett Tinley
Director: O-Lan Jones
Music Director/Conductor: Robert Kahn
Associate Conductor: Mila Henry
with production support from BARE opera
Assistant Director: Livia Reiner
Scenic and Lighting Designer: Matthew Imhoff
Costume Designer: Matsy Stinson
Projection Content Designer: Melody (Mela) London
Overtone Industries develops and presents new multidisciplinary operas and music theater, bringing to life vivid, original stories and myths. Founded in 1980 by Artistic Director O-Lan Jones, Overtone Industries is dedicated to creating original work of mythic proportion. Overtone Industries has produced more than twenty original works across the country at such lauded venues as La Mama in New York, The Met Theater, and the Ford Theatre in Los Angeles, and the Magic theater in San Francisco. Overtone Industries is the recipient of numerous awards including the Bay Area Critics Circle Award for Original Score, the Dramalogue Award for Best Overall Production, the Ovation Award for Best Costumes, and two Emmy Awards for best Original Score and Design.