Innovative Student-Produced Opera 'devoted' Unveils the Untold Stories of Biblical Women

A groundbreaking opera created by students uncovers the untold stories of women from the Bible, bringing a fresh perspective on their struggles and influence. Premiering on March 30 at the Ryan Opera Theater of Northwestern, the opera titled 'devoted' centers on Jesus Christ's influential women, exploring their lives beyond their biblical narrative. The piece is a labor of love and creativity, crafted primarily by Bienen School of Music sophomore Cece Olszewski, who not only composed the music and lyric but also directed the production.

An Intimate Peek into Womanhood and Sacrifice

Olszewski, collaborating with fellow sophomore Isabel Yang, presents an intimate portrayal of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene as young girls in a state of purgatory. The setting, a teenage girl's bedroom, symbolizes the liminal space between life and eternity, reflecting their mental state, frozen at the time they dedicated their lives to Jesus Christ. The opera delves into themes such as womanhood, sacrifice, abandonment, and self-love through a modern lens, breaking free from the traditional ties that bind these figures to Christ.

The Healing Power of Collaborative Storytelling

The development of this 40-minute, eight-song opera was a healing process for Olszewski, who, inspired by art history and personal experiences, convened with friends to shape this emotional narrative. Through weekly Zoom discussions, they wove together a plot highlighting the complex emotions these women faced, coping with dedication and betrayal in a world that often overlooked their individuality.

Revolutionizing Opera with Modern Techniques

'devoted' transcends conventional opera boundaries by incorporating live reverb and delay effects, mirroring the growth of these techniques in contemporary opera. This technological innovation deepens the emotional impact of the performance, enhancing the portrayal of loss and longing experienced by the characters.

No tickets are necessary to experience this unique opera that offers both an artistic revelation and a cautionary tale about the perils of blind devotion. The show concludes triumphantly as the women come to an epiphany, their realization about the depth of their sacrifice becomes their passage to salvation, signifying a powerful message of self-empowerment.

opera, womanhood, empowerment