Madame Mao
Classification added March 22, 2016Premiered July 26, 2003
Santa Fe. Santa Fe Opera
Composer:
Bright Sheng
Original Language:
English
Librettist:
Colin Graham
Description:
Opera in II Acts
Notes:
In Act I the time goes backwards from the Death of Madame Mao to her time as a young actress. In Act II, the time goes forward from her first encounter with Mao to her death.
Time Period:
During the period of the Cultural Revolution of China
Place:
China
Classification key
- L – Leading
- F – Featured
- S – Supporting
- B – Solo Bit
- CB – Chorus Bit
- MB – Mute Bit
| Role | Voice Part | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Jiang Ching I (Mme. Mao) | Mezzo-Soprano | L |
| Jiang China II (Mme. Mao in her 20s) - also plays Nora (Act I) and Mu Guiying (in Chinese Opera Scenes) | High Soprano | L |
| Mao Zedong | Baritone | L |
| Zhizhen - also sings Actress (Act I) and Yang Piafeng (in Chinese Opera Scenes) | Soprano | F |
| The Actor - also plays Helmer (Act I) and Victim #3 and Emperor Gao (in Chinese Opera Scenes) | Tenor | F |
| The Accusers - also sing The Committee and The Victims (an actress plays Victim 3) and Another Man | Soprano | S |
| Soprano | S | |
| Tenor | S | |
| Tenor | S | |
| Baritone | S | |
| Baritone | S | |
| Bass | S | |
| Bass | S |
Minimum Chorus: 32
Divisi: SATB