WHEN:
December 13–16, 2024
WHERE:
Kennedy Center
Terrace Theater
2700 F Street
Washington, DC 20566
TICKETS:
For more information and tickets visit the Washington National Opera website.
CAST:
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CREATIVE TEAM:
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A spokesperson describes the event as follows:
“...Jungle Book was originally commissioned by The Glimmerglass Festival with WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. WNO’s presentation includes an expanded orchestration and new arias and choreography. The central character, Mowgli, is an endangered human cub who seeks refuge with a pack of wolves. Should the pack accept Mowgli, even if it means making an enemy of Shere Khan, the lawless tiger? To better reflect the setting of the story, Sankaram created a sound that incorporates classical music traditions from India, her father’s homeland, along with Western operatic elements. “Classical music in India, like European classical music, has a very rich tradition. A lot of the formal approach comes from the 14th-century courts,” says Sankaram. “Its structure and complexity derive from rhythmic cycles and melodic improvisation rather than harmonic development.” Rhythm comes to the forefront in Jungle Book through Indian dance as well, in a collaboration with D.C.’s own Taal Academy of Dance. “It is my hope that borrowing equally from both traditions will not only serve to create a sense of place within the opera,” says Sankaram, “but will leave our young artists and audiences with a greater sense of the world and the commonalities shared between cultures...”
