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The Mementi Mori of Edward Gorey (2020)

THE MEMENTI MORI OF EDWARD GOREY is a shuffle-play featuring thirteen sketches in different styles - a puppet show, an opera, a ballet, a TV sit com - exploring the life and work of writer-illustrator Edward St. John Gorey (1925-2000).

For each performance, several sketches are selected and ordered by an audience volunteer - Tarot card reading style - resulting in a new performance each night.

​By casting nine actors as different versions of the artist, MEMENTI MORI explores the spectrum and fluidity of identity, artistry, and personhood, through a life.

THE MEMENTI MORI OF EDWARD GOREY features original music by composer Mary Bichner.

MUSIC EXCERPTS

”Oh, the OF It All!”: A 10-12min orchestral ballet work celebrating Gorey’s obsession for the New York City Ballet and its legendary choreographer, George Balanchine. 
Music Demo. Scenario. Score.

FAIR ISLE: a short opera work that tells the tale of "Ted" (Gorey) and Tom, two friends in the midst of a month-long trip through the Scottish Isles. With Tom, Ted's heart swells like a storming sea, but - as Ted searches for the right words to - Tom's feelings remain firmly planted on earthy matters. 
Music Demo. Libretto. Score.

Written in 2019 at the WildAcres Retreat in North Carolina.

john j king  |  johnjking80@gmail.com
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