Mon Prologue Absurde

L’Opéra Mon Prologue Absurde is a sweeping narrative of the past lives of the Neo-Absurd Artist. Each scene takes place in the context of grandiose historical events as observed through the eyes of common proletarians. These characters live ordinary lives in extraordinary times. Their pedestrian concerns are highlighted at the expense of the drama surrounding them.

Meet the carpenter and his concern over his guillotine business as the French Revolution’s reign of terror winds down, the Caribbean pirate in the midst of a slave rebellion, the paperboy delivering J’Accuse and the janitor sweeping up the gallery at the Salon des Refusés.

These characters and many others grace the stage of this epic opera. The events span centuries and ultimately culminate in a 1960 fatal fiery crash in north-central France.

Act I

1789 - Révolution: The stage is set with the tumultuous events of the French Revolution, capturing the spirit of upheaval and change.

1791 - Rébellion des esclaves haïtiens: Transition to the Caribbean, portraying the rebellion of Haitian slaves against their oppressors, highlighting themes of freedom and resistance.

1815 - Le retour de Napoléon: The return of Napoleon from exile, marking a significant moment in European history and the Napoleonic Wars.

1832 - Les Misérables: Aligned with the storyline from Victor Hugo's novel, a depiction of the struggles of ordinary people amidst the social unrest of post-revolutionary France.

1863 - Salon des Refusés: An exploration of the avant-garde art scene of 19th-century Paris, focusing on the rejected works that challenged traditional norms.

1867 - Exposition Universelle: The audience is transported to the grandeur of the Universal Exposition in Paris, showcasing technological advancements and cultural exchange.

INTERMISSION

Act II

1870 - Siège de Paris: A deep dive into the Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War, capturing the desperation and resilience of the city's inhabitants.

1871 - Commune de Paris: Exploration of the Paris Commune, a brief but influential socialist government that emerged in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War.

1872 - Jim Crow arrive à la Nouvelle-Orléans: Shifting the focus to America, a depiction of the rise of racial segregation and discrimination with the arrival of Jim Crow laws.

1894 - Affaire Dreyfus: Delving into the infamous Dreyfus Affair in France, themes of injustice, anti-Semitism, and political intrigue are highlighted.

1916 - La vie dans les tranchées: The audience is transported to the trenches of World War I, depicting the harsh realities faced by soldiers and civilians during the Great War.

1944 - Vichy s'effondre: Witness the collapse of the Vichy regime in France during World War II, symbolizing the end of collaboration and the dawn of liberation.

1960 - La mort absurde d'Albert Camus: The absurd death of Albert Camus reflects on the existential themes explored throughout the opera and the enduring impact of history on ordinary lives.

Each act features a diverse range of characters representing different social classes, backgrounds, and perspectives, allowing the audience to empathize with the human experience across various historical contexts. The music and libretto complements the emotional depth and complexity of each scene, capturing the essence of each era while weaving a cohesive narrative thread throughout the opera.