Breath of Life

“Breath of Life,” an opera commissioned by the McNair and Powell Foundations and the Houston Arts Alliance. Composer and Librettist are presently in negotiations with the Texas Tech University Opera Department in Lubbock, TX to present the premiere of “Breath of Life” in 2012.

This original work explores the modern, challenging and mysterious relationship between science and technology, and spirituality and humanity, brought to dramatic heights through the procedure of a heart transplant. The opera has received much international attention including articles and radio interviews throughout North America, Canada, Germany, and England; most recently on BBC Radio. Libretto: Michael Remson, Music: J. Todd Frazier.

BREATH OF LIFE

Excerpt:

“She was Always a Dreamer”

 An original story, formed as a response, by Todd Frazier, to watching his father, Dr. O. H. Frazier, 

perform a successful heart transplant at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, TX.

Written in honor of Dr. O. H. Frazier; Dedicated to the memory of Ruth Popper, Rev. Bob Browne, Claude Duthuit, and James Bowers.

J. Todd Frazier is a recipient of an Individual Artist Grant Award. This grant is funded by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. Additional support for “Breath of Life” is through the Powell and McNair Foundations of Houston, TX

Setting:

Houston, Texas / A hospital, 1981.

The Set:

Four main areas. Downstage center is the operating theater. There is appropriate electronic machinery, including a bypass pump and defibrilator, all surrounding a gurney. The area is bathed in a white glow. Directly above it and further upstage, on a raised platform, is the observation deck with a few chairs. The area furthest downstage should remain clear and free of obstruction. Upstage right is the hospital chapel. A large cross, not depicting the crucifixion, is seen suspended. Beneath and behind it, a prie dieu for kneeling in prayer (facing the audience) can be seen. Further upstage, assorted chairs and/or a pew. While it is not as sterile as the rest of the surroundings, it should be utilitarian, nothing more. Upstage left is the patient’s room and a small adjoining vestibule (located between the O.R. and Patients room). The Patient’s room is white and includes a hospital style bed, a table next to it and a chair for visitors. The room should also include machinery for monitoring the progress of the patient, including an intravenous stand/bag and heart monitor. It is central to the effectiveness of the set these areas appear sterile. The set should represent a clinical detachment from the emotional events that take place within it.