Kate GaleWith a distinguished history of more than 400 years, the idea of opera for some might conjure thoughts of outdated costumes, convoluted plots, and foreign languages. But the work of Kate Gale, an accomplished author, poet, and opera librettist, challenges these stereotypes. As a librettist, she must draw upon theatrical, musical, and poetic talents to create lively and compelling opera experiences. Gale, the 2011-2012 Murphy Visiting Librettist, will discuss her work as part of the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language.
The lecture will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Reves Recital Hall on the Hendrix College campus. A book signing and reception will follow in Trieschmann Gallery. The event is free and open to the public.
Kate Gale is the co-founder and managing editor of Red Hen Press, a non-profit press in the Los Angeles area specializing in publishing writers overlooked by mainstream presses. Additionally, she is the editor of the Los Angeles Review, president of the American Composers Forum, LA, and past president of the PEN American Center. She is the author of five books of poetry, a novel, and six libretti including Rio de Sangre, a libretto for an opera with composer Don Davis which had its world premiere October 2010 at the Florentine Opera in Milwaukee. Her other libretti include Paradises Lost, with Ursula K. LeGuinn and composer Stephen Andrew Taylor; Kindred, adapted from the novel by Octavia Butler with composer Billy Childs; and Inner Circle, adapted from the novel by T.C. Boyle with composer Daniel Felsenfeld.
This event is sponsored by the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language, which are designed to enhance and enrich the study and teaching of literature and language at Hendrix College. For more information about this and future events, please contact Henryetta Vanaman, 501-450-4597 or vanaman@hendrix.edu.