Congratulations to the Mini Opera Script Finalists
The English National Opera announced seven of their ten finalists for the Mini Operas Script Competition today (fourwere chosen for Neil Gaiman's Sweeper of Dreams, and three for A.L. Kennedy's On Paper). They have yet to announce the three finalists for the Will Self's The Death of A Government Inspector.
Congratulations to all the finalists. There are some beautiful scripts posted.
I loved the idea of this experiment in collaboration and pushing the limits of an established form like opera. My script, Sleep Masque, was not chosen, but it was fun to challenge myself with a new form. I hope that I can do something more with it someday.
I enjoyed the experience, and I look forward to the next opportunity to do something like this. The thought of having musicians and filmmakers respond creatively to something I've written is really exciting. (If you have ideas about working with the script, Sleep Masque, drop me a note.)
There's something magical about putting creatives from around the world together to make something new. It's one of the things I love about sites like the Night Garden Project.
To hear an example of this kind of collaboration, listen to the incredible Sxip Shirey's composition in response to Tamsin Collison’s What Dreams May Come (which was based on Neil's story):
http://soundcloud.com/englishnationalopera/what-dreams-may-come
I will enjoy watching to see how the rest of the Mini Operas competition plays out. You can follow along on their website: www.minioperas.org
