A New American Opera Angel of the Amazon Is Available by Evan Mack Direct from the Composer

Acknowledgments Producer & Editor: Marlan Barry (www.MarlanBarryAudio.com) Album Design: Katy Rahn Martinez ([email protected]) Photo of Evan Mack: Richard Termine Cover Photo: Richard Termine A New American Opera Angel of the Amazon is available by Evan Mack direct from the composer.

The CD would not have been possible without the help of Ed and Danielle Mack, Kristin Mack, Bill and Gloria Weissman, Fitzsimmons, Mack and Mills P.C., The Peckham Family Foundation, Grace McClorey, Don and Leah Carson, and Richard J. Miller. Special thanks to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

www.albanyrecords.com TROY1323/24 albany records u.s. 915 broadway, albany, ny 12207 tel: 518.436.8814 fax: 518.436.0643 albany records u.k. Original New York City Production by box 137, kendal, cumbria la8 0xd tel: 01539 824008 Encompass New Opera Theatre © 2012 Albany Records made in the usa DDD warning: copyright subsists in all recordings issued under this label. Directed by Nancy Rhodes, Artistic Director Angel of the Amazon In 2005, composer Evan Mack attended a lecture in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he heard the story of the A New American Opera murdered nun, Dorothy Stang. Facing gunpoint and recognizing the hired gunmen, Dorothy pulled out her by Evan Mack bible and said, “This is my only weapon,” and read the Beatitudes. Upon hearing this story, Evan Mack thought, “This is an opera.” His research led him to the Ohio Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur where he was given access to Dorothy Stang’s letters from 1969 until the week before her murder. And in only five years time, the opera went from page to stage, with workshops in San Francisco, Cincinnati, and Dayton, and the world premiere by Encompass New Opera Theatre at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City in May, 2011, followed by performances with the Boston Metro Opera.

Angel of the Amazon Libretto and Music by Evan Mack Caitlin Mathes...... Sister Dorothy IONISATION New Music Ensemble Synopsis Jose Rubio...... Luiz Emily Kalish, Violin I Dorothy Stang’s journey begins in 1969, when after dining with a wealthy landowner in the Brazilian Michael Armstrong Barr...... Policia Civil/Miguel James West, Violin II Amazon, the peasant farmers reject her teachings because she eats from the table of the man who keeps Jose Candelaria...... Policia Civil/Paco Maria Jeffers, Cello I them indentured servants. She then vows to live with the poor in order to teach them sustainable living Jennifer Caruana...... Rosa Kate Victor, Cello II and free them from a life of servitude. Luiz, the leader of the peasant community struggles with faith and Amanda-Camille Isaac...... Isabella Scott Borg, Guitar freedom in his search for a better life. Douglas Jabara...... Police Chief/Mr. Dove Peter Saleh, Marimba As Dorothy’s mission grows, so does the violence. The land development project, led by the Catholic Amanda Lee...... Mariana Tony Bellomy, Piano Church, progresses at a snail’s pace, creating a political environment conducive to frustration and Barrett D. Mack ...... Policia Civil/Jose corruption. Despite boundary agreements from Vito, the head of a logging company, Dorothy’s village is set IONISATION is a program of New Brittany Palmer ...... Luanna ablaze by his thugs. Jersey Arts Collective (Darren Gage, Adam Russell...... Vito/Landowner In the years to follow, Luiz takes to the gun, believing violence is the answer and is tempted by Vito Artistic Director). Instrumentalists Justin Ryan...... Bishop/Gunman No. 2 with money to leave Dorothy exposed. He must choose between his faith in money or his faith in Dorothy. appear courtesy of IONISATION Elex Lee Vann...... Raul/Gunman No. 1/Mr. Rico Meanwhile, Dorothy, pushes ahead, meeting with government agents, whom she realizes to be corrupt— New Music Ensemble, a program bought and paid for by the logging company. In her last great act, she speaks at the Capital and demands Lara Stevens...... Sr. Dorothy cover of New Jersey Arts Collective. that the government help the people and not the pockets of big business; setting into motion the events that sent her on a path to martyrdom. Nancy Rhodes...... Director Mara Waldman...... Conductor Libretto Rosa: Ask God to give me food. Act I, Scene 1a: February 12th, 2005 (The Amazon, a dirt path. Sr. Dorothy Stang is wearing a T-Shirt Choir of Farmers: Does God love us? with writing on the shirt: “Connect people to land, connect them to God.” Two gunmen enter with their Luanna: Please baptize my baby. Make him human. guns drawn.) Raul: I do not want to die, heal me Sister. Dorothy: I thought I made it clear to both of you yesterday. (To herself) I thought I made it clear. (Gunmen Rosa: I’m starving. Ask God for some food. point their pistols at her. She gets out her bible from her satchel.) This is my only weapon. (Holds up her Choir of Farmers: Will God love us? bible.) Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom…blessed are the…(Gunmen raise their pistols. Luanna: Baptize my baby! Stage goes dark.) Raul: I don’t want to die. Rosa: I’m starving. Act I, Scene 1b: Flashback, Dorothy’s First Day in the Amazon—1969 Choir of Farmers: Love us! A wealthy landowner and Sr. Dorothy are finishing a lavish dinner at the landowner’s home. Dorothy is Dorothy: Blessed are the poor (The crowd murmurs, but shows interest.) for theirs is the kingdom. (Luiz wearing her traditional habit. Outside the peasant farmers, destitute, hungry, in run-down working clothes, enters.) The words of Christ, as God has given the poor— are looking and milling around; it is as if they are invisible. Luiz: (Interrupts, still on the outside of the group.) What do you know about the poor? You eat and drink Dorothy: Your feast was delicious. with the man who makes us poor. Landowner: You’re an honored guest. We have plenty of everything. Dorothy: (Spoken) They warned me about you. Dorothy: I’m excited to begin teaching your workers about my faith. Luiz: Because I see through their lies. You can talk to us about the poor, but you don’t know how we fight to survive. Landowner: (Self-aggrandizing) Sister, Sister, God has been good to me. Lots of money, lots of land, Dorothy: I want to teach you what I know. always able to feed my family, make a profit. But I always say, “It’s better to give than receive.” (As if Luiz: (Spoken) You eat from their table, while we starve. We cannot be taught by one of them. sharing a secret) I sell to my workers a bit of land for a fair price, and in return, they must sell me their Dorothy: Please, listen to what I have to say. (Spoken) I can help you. crop at a good discount. You see— Luiz: Save your words, Sister, because we are still the ones who fight to live. (Spoken to the crowd.) I Dorothy: (Spoken) So how do your workers ever stop owing you money? have seen enough, let’s go. (Luiz and the crowd exit.) Landowner: (Ignores her.) Sister, Sister, God has been good to me. Take a look around. See how God’s Dorothy: (Spoken, ad lib.) Wait…don’t go, etc. plan is working. Have I Not Wept? (Dorothy, by herself) Dorothy: (Ironically) Let’s hope I fit into the plan. (Dorothy stands to exit outside.) Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor? Landowner: (Motions to the door.) Please let me walk you to the door. (Walks Dorothy outside.) Be careful The oppressed retreat from me as I come here to help them. sister, they act like animals out there…especially Luiz. He is the black sheep. (Dorothy walks outside. The How can I raise the poor from the dust and lift them from the ashes peasant farmers huddle together, sharing one piece of fruit or bread. A woman rushes up to her—others If they see me as a hand for the wicked? crowd around her.) I tried and failed. I tried and failed. What did I do wrong? Luanna: Baptize my baby, fix him so he won’t die a beast. Have I not wept? Am I not pained enough? Have I not grieved enough? Raul: Bless me now, so I won’t die today. They cried for my help. They cried out to me. And my words, only words, could not comfort them. Dorothy: Put away your guns, put away your guns, we’re not armed. (Tries to diffuse the situation.) Are I’ll try again. I’ll try again. And this time, this time I won’t fail. you hungry? You look hungry. I must seek to follow Christ and give up what is mine. Gunman 1: (Prideful) No, we’re fine. In the spirit of the Lord I will sacrifice. Dorothy: I know why you are here. (She reaches for her purse; the gunmen raise their weapons.) I cannot help the poor unless I’m one of them Gunman 2: Easy lady… Together, we’ll walk the path of God Dorothy: (Pulls out a bible.) This is my only weapon. (Opens the bible, and pulls out a map, and points to it.) (Spoken) We’re standing right here. (Sung) We possess this land. (Spoken) The Bishop and INCRA say so. —{End Scene}— Gunmen 1 and 2: Liar! Liar! Our boss, Vito, says you are trespassing. Dorothy: Vito is greedy, a shark who always gets what he wants. Look at the map. This is where we lived Act I, Scene 2a: February 11th, 2005—A Village in the Amazon (At a small table Sr. Dorothy is teach- for over three decades. ing a child a prayer to bless the food.) Gunman 1: Vito also has a map! Dorothy: Bless us, Dorothy: (Spoken) Those are false documents. Child: Bless us, Gunman 2: It’s our job to see that you— Dorothy: Bless us, O, Lord. Gunmen 1 and 2: Get off his land! Child: Bless us, O, Lord. Dorothy: Don’t let my meek appearance fool you. Tell Vito, the police know of his Dorothy: Very good! But this time remember to breathe…continue. threats, the Bishop knows he set fire to our homes. So, what then is killing an old nun Child: For these your gifts, which we’re about to receive. going to do? This is our land. Dorothy: (Spoken) Breath Gunman 1: But Vito— Child: Make us mindful… Dorothy: Vito mistakes his money for greatness. How much did he offer you? (The gunmen look away Dorothy: Be mindful of the earth, and the forest that surrounds you. in shame.) Our greatness lies with the land, and all that we get from it. (She picks up a piece of fruit.) Child: Mindful for the needs of others. Please, take something to eat. Are you hungry? You look hungry. Dorothy: We’re only here to look out for each other. Promise me, if I’m not here, you’ll still be mindful of others. Act I, Scene 2b: Flashback, 1972—A Primitive Village in the Amazon Child: (Spoken) I promise. (The villagers are facing a drought.) Dorothy: (Spoken) Well then, hurry up. The table’s set. They’re waiting for you. Luiz: Some mother of God you are! The rains are a month late. You can’t even spare a drop. No fruit, no Child with Choir: Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts which we’re about to receive. Make us mindful, crop, nada. Only dust, and piss poor dust at best. (bless the meek), of the needs of others. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Two armed gunmen enter; the Dorothy: Patience, the rain will come… children flee behind Dorothy and the men of the village.) Luiz: (Aside, muttering) She has no idea. Just a few more days of drought and we all suffer...estupido. Dorothy: (Ignoring his remarks.) What are you planting, Luiz? Luiz: (Spoken) Like it matters what I’m planting. (Sung) There won’t be any water to keep it alive. Luiz: (Sarcastically) You could save some for the rest of us! (The crowd laughs.) Dorothy: Patience, the rain will come… Luanna: (Gradually ensemble joins in.) Luiz: (Interrupts, and shouts.) It always comes! (Sung) But sometimes too late. Campos do verde. Pacotes da fruta. Fields of green, bundles of fruit. Tell me sister, are you ready to decide who gets the last of our crumbs? Abundância do alimento para comer. Plenty of food to eat. Dorothy: (Takes Luiz aside.) Would you rather go back to a life of servitude? Throw away two years of freedom? O deus, traz na chuva. God, Bring on the Rain. Luiz: We do everything right. We pray, we give, we work, we praise. (Spoken) And for what, more drought?! Agua da vida. Water gives life. Dorothy: Everyone’s faith has to be tested every once in a while. Logo, todos deleitar-se-a em pacotes, { Soon everyone will feast on. Luiz: I’m too hungry to be tested by you or by God! It will crush my people if we fail. pacotes da fruta. Bundles of fruit. Dorothy: So you cannot falter. Their hope relies on you. Freedom to Fail Luiz: (Interrupts) I will take only what I will need, only enough to live, and store the rest. Luiz: For decades we have been pushed around—lower than cattle Ensemble: Campos do verde. Pacotes da fruta. Abundância do alimento para comer. And all we hoped for is to break free. O deus, traz na chuva. Agua da vida. Logo, todos deleitar-se-a em pacotes, pacotes da fruta. Free from the demands from the man who owns you. Luiz: Think about tomorrow by holding back today, and if the rains are plentiful, we can have it both ways. But with that freedom comes the freedom to fail: Dorothy and Luiz: We must live for tomorrow and sacrifice today. And if the rains are plentiful, it will (Spoken) If the rain is too late this year, we may have one or two feasts and then the starvation sets in. provide us for more than one day. (Sung) No one thought that with freedom comes the freedom to fail. Ensemble: Campos do verde. Pacotes da fruta. Abundância do alimento para comer. Brazilian Farmer’s Song: (Dorothy, Luiz, and Ensemble) O deus, traz na chuva. Agua da vida. Logo, todos deleitar-se-a em pacotes, pacotes da fruta. Dorothy: Patience, the rain will come. But we must not take all that it brings. Luiz: (Then gradually everyone.) I will take only what I will need, only enough to live, and store the rest. Luiz: (Spoken) That’s absurd! Ensemble: Think about tomorrow by holding back today, and if the rains are plentiful, we can have it both Dorothy: The water brings us life and we must nurture that life. ways. And live for tomorrow! Campos do verde. Pacotes da fruta. Abundância do alimento para comer. O Luiz: What are you saying? deus, traz na chuva. Agua da vida. Logo, todos deleitar-se-a em pacotes, pacotes da fruta. Live for tomor- Dorothy: That we only pick enough to get by and store the rest for tomorrow. row by saving today. Luiz: They will be too hungry; they won’t go for it. Dorothy: But they will follow you. Convince them to live for tomorrow and not be consumed by today. —{End Scene}— Luiz: (Pauses) Hey Raul! What will you do when the rain comes? Raul: (Jokingly spoken) I don’t know…take the day off! Luiz: (Laughs) And you, Jose? Raul: (Spoken) Probably come to my house! (The crowd laughs.) Luanna: Not if your wife has anything to say about it! (The crowd reacts.) Jose: (Sings) I’m going to eat as much as I can. Act I, Scene 3a: February 10th, 2005. Police station (The Police Chief is demonstrating to the two Police Chief: How can I help you Sister? gunmen how to use a gun.) Policia Civil: Patron saint of the “Freebee” Police Chief: (To the gunmen) (Holding a gun, entranced by it.) Dorothy: (Spoken) We need more protection. Hold her, gently. Careful. Handle her with great care. Policia Civil: Sister of the handout. Softly place in the palm of your hand. Police Chief: I’m very busy. Feel the metal flow through your fingertips Policia Civil: Stopping Catholic gun runners. Lightly lower her head. Police Chief: Don’t waste my time crying wolf. Tenderly, open her heart. Dorothy: (Spoken) I have a legitimate complaint. See the chamber where all the bullets are stored. Policia Civil: Are there no more handouts? Bet she lost her freebee. Load her gently. Police Chief: Protection from who? (Loads the gun.) Dorothy: Vito and his men. Police Chief: One, Policia Civil: What did he do? Can’t God help you? Gunman 2: They offered me a lot of money. I’ll soon have a life worth living. Dorothy: My men are missing. Police Chief: Two, Policia Civil: Maybe they left you. Gunman 1: Can I go through with this? To take a life... Dorothy: They burned a house down. Police Chief: Three, Policia Civil: Probably an accident Gunman 2: I hope they have the money. I never met the man who’ll pay me. Dorothy: I saw them stalking. Police Chief: Four, Policia Civil: Liar! Gunman 1: To take a life...Will I be able to? Dorothy: Please stop the man who persecutes us. Vito wants me dead, but I won’t Police Chief: Five, go away. (Spoken) By the way, I told the Bishop of this violence. He will be calling the generals. Gunman 2: This Vito, will Vito have the money? Police Chief: Six. Lightly lift up her head. Tenderly look in her eye, Police Chief: (Nervous) Okay, okay, we’ll be on the lookout. (Spoken) I’m sure this will pass over. (Sung) Gunmen 1 and 2: Is this really going to happen? You can count on me. Police Chief: Take aim through her soul, caress on the trigger with one of your fingers! Gunmen 1 and 2: And if it happens, will we be ready for this? Act I, Scene 3b, Flashback 1980—Meeting at the Bishop’s Office Police Chief: (Spoken) Fire! Fire! Fire! (Coming out of his trance, hands over the Mr. Dove: The mandate clearly states, that we at INCRA possess the power to oversee the land. gun, and the other gun on the table or desk.) (Sung) Now go and find your target. (Gunmen exit. The Mr. Rico: But we’re lacking funding to properly fulfill this mandate. We’re looking for funding to oversee Policia Civil enter, followed quickly by Dorothy.) this land. Police Chief: (Groans) What is it this time? Bishop: Thank you Mr. Dove, Mr. Rico, you gave great insight into the process. Sister Dorothy, it’s your turn Policia Civil: (Mocking, in the background.) Sister of the “lazy.” to talk about the progress of the sustainable land project and its people. Ten Long Years: (Dorothy, The Bishop, Mr. Dove, Mr. Rico, and Vito.) Mr. Dove: What?! No! He is out of control. Dorothy: (To the committee) It’s been ten long years since my work began. (To herself) Ten long years, Mr. Rico: (To the Bishop) Do not intervene. You should not interrupt him. (Vito roughly grabs Dorothy’s hand.) every day was earned. How naïve I was. How naïve. I tried again. (To the committee) It took ten long years Dorothy: Look at what my people have to face. You just witnessed what we fight everyday. It’s a fight to for us to respect the land. (To herself) And what a day that was. They understood to live for tomorrow, today. keep us alive. You just witnessed, ten years of strife just to keep the land that we own. It’s been ten long years. (To the committee) And no one’s listening, no one listens today, you don’t hear the Dorothy: Some men have been beaten, women abducted. cries of the poor. Mr. Dove: I’ll look into your claims. Mr. Rico: (Interrupting) Your time is up. Mr. Rico: We don’t have the money. We don’t have the time. Dorothy: Only ten minutes to speak, for ten years of work. Dorothy: We’re constantly threatened, fearful of what will happen to us. Mr. Dove: We’ll look into your claims. Mr. Dove: I’ll look into your claims. Mr. Rico: (Annoyed at Mr. Dove.) We don’t have the time, men, or money to look into these claims. Bishop: How can we keep you safe? Dorothy: How much time remains, if you fail to protect our rights to farm the Amazon? Dorothy: We need more land to shield us from all these attacks. Guarantee ten more years if you give more land. Vito: What about my rights? Should we only care about your people? I won’t wait for you to fail, farming land Bishop: Our work is with the people. We can’t control what we do with the land. that’s doomed. Dorothy: Spare us ten more years, we need more land. (To himself) Mr. Dove: We can protect the people if we give them more land This happened once before Mr. Rico: We could make more money if we lease the land They stole land from my father Bishop: Our work is with the people. We can’t control what we do with the land. This happened once before Dorothy: Guarantee ten more years. Give us land. Government should never take away land from hard working men like my father! Mr. Dove: We could sustain more land if we give it to the people Don’t steal from an honest man to give it to the lazy. Mr. Rico: We could make more money if we lease the land. I stand here today to fight for the rights of men like my father. Bishop: Our work is with the people. We can’t control what we do with the land. What about my right? Dorothy: To guarantee ten more years with more land. What about my right to make a profit, to feed my family? Mr. Dove: Give it to the poor. Sustain more land What else is left to give? Mr. Rico: We need money to regulate the land You’re living on land that I already own. Bishop: Our work is with the people. We don’t regulate land. What else is left to give? What else is left to take? Vito: Don’t you mean mine, it’s mine, it’s mine. Bishop: We should intervene. Dorothy: Give land to the poor. Vito: It’s my land, it’s my land. Rico, Dove, and Bishop: Enough, Enough, ENOUGH! Bishop: We must keep both sides talking. We should intervene. Bishop: Both sides must compromise. Don’t let these talks fall apart. We all have to sacrifice. Mr. Rico: (To the Bishop) Do not intervene. Mr. Rico: Compromise, Vito, if you compromise, you’ll get what you want. I can help you. More than you need. Vito: It’s mine, it’s mine, Mr. Dove: If you sacrifice, you will get what you deserve. If you don’t sacrifice, you won’t get anything. Dorothy: For ten years we’ve compromised, talked of land. What more is there to sacrifice? Bishop: (Spoken) What did you say? Vito: Why should I compromise what is already mine. Dorothy: (Spoken) Forget the process! (Sung) The Amazon is under siege, and you do Mr. Dove: Sister Dorothy, your people can keep their land. nothing about it! Bishop: This is good we have a process. Bishop: The process is working. Just give it time. Mr. Rico: Vito, continue logging. Dorothy: For three decades we’ve been patient. You mistake the process for peace. Bishop: This is good we have a process. Bishop: (Spoken) “Sharks, girlieros, under siege?” Sister Dorothy, you’re in Rico and Dove: No one, shall occupy the adjacent land. way too deep. They have threatened you, stay here so we can keep you safe. Dorothy: We deserve more land, it all can’t go to the rich! Dorothy: My place is with my people. I am their voice—I have nothing to lose. Vito: I deserve more land, it all can’t go to the poor! Don’t help me, help my people. Rico and Dove: These are the boundaries. Bishop: You’re too involved. Rico, Dove, and Bishop: Agreed? Dorothy: Call INCRA. Dorothy: Agreed. Bishop: In way too deep. Vito: (Disappointed) Agreed. (Lights fade on scene, except for Vito.) Let them keep their land. I don’t care Dorothy: Or the General! what these people say about this land. Let them fail at farming land that’s doomed. Either way, in ten years, Bishop: You’re over your head! Too involved. I’ll make that land into my land. It’s my land. Mine, mine, mine. Dorothy: Enough with the process. We want peace! Bishop: You’re too blind to see that all of these actions will only escalate the situation! —{End Scene}— Act I, Scene 4b: Flashback, 1985. A Developed Village (A fruit factory is being built, a school house is up Act I, Scene 4a: February 9th, 2005. The Bishop’s Office and running. The farmers are working. Dorothy is walking around, giving advice to the workers. Luiz brings Dorothy: (Rushing into the office) Your grace, thank you for meeting me on such short notice. Vito has in a bushel of food.) started his invasion. Those lousy Grilerios have become more violent. Luiz: (Wipes off his sweat.) This should last us a while. Bishop: Your work is with the people, let the government regulate the land. Did you Dorothy: That’s great! Store it in the large refrigerator. Plant those next week so the land stays viable. contact INCRA? The dry season has come early this year… Dorothy: Yes, but I think they’ve been compromised. Luiz: (Lighthearted) Living for tomorrow gets tiresome. (Serious) Hopefully, soon we will see the rewards. Bishop: Is it true that you spoke out against the logging companies at the capital, and to the press? Dorothy: (Taken aback) What do you call all this? (Pointing to the scene around her.) Dorothy: The public needed to know. Luiz: (Lighthearted) More work. (Serious) But soon we’ll have the wealth to end this struggle. Bishop: It wasn’t authorized! Dorothy: (Spoken) Luiz, we have been over this. Dorothy: I’m sorry, but it had to be done. Luiz: If we just had more money… Bishop: What about the process? Dorothy: (Sung) Careful, be patient. In time the fruits of our labor will be plentiful. Dorothy: (Under her breath) Kill a tree, kill a person. Luiz: It’s just that when the dry season hits, the loggers test our borders. Dorothy: Things have been relatively calm for the last two years. INCRA is making progress each day. Dorothy: They will kill all of you! Please! Think of your family. Luiz: It has been tough being on guard all the time. (Lighthearted) Lord, give me money to build a giant wall; Luiz: (To the sky) We were supposed to be protected. We did everything God asked for. a fortress (Spoken) to stop those people! No one watches over us? (He falls to his knees—defeated. Then exits.) Dorothy: (Chuckles, then puts her arm around him.) If it were only that easy… Paco and Mariana: We must get out of here, they’re coming back. Luanna: (Rushing in, out of breath) Luiz, armed men in jeeps, coming up the road. They have torches. Raul: I need to find a place to hide. Raul: What would they want? Jose: All that I had is lost. I can’t start over. Rosa: Will they hurt us? Rosa: They might be coming back. Dorothy:(Surprised by the violence and its escalation.) Torches! What are they going to do with torches? Luanna: We must hide. (Realizes) Miguel: If we can’t hide then we must attack. Luanna: They’ll burn our homes. Ensemble: We must hide, we must run. We must attack, etc. Dorothy: (Shouts) Quick, Luiz! Go to the water reserve! Dorothy: (Spoken) STOP! Luiz: I am going to get my gun! Bring on the Rain: (Dorothy, Luiz, and Farmers) Raul: Here they come. Head to the forest. Leave everything here! Dorothy: We must pray…we must pray for the rain. Jose: Let’s get out of here. Let every drop pour on our homes. Rosa: Here they come, here they come! Let it douse all the flames. Dorothy: (Sung) Luiz! Please, they are setting fire to the village. Luiz( runs off.) Thank you Lord for you let us survive. (Armed men arrive, setting fire to the village.) The sun may be darkened, the moon losing light, Ensemble: (Off stage) Lacrymosa. The stars will open up as the powers of heaven collide Luiz: (Defeated, enters with a rifle.) I couldn’t stop them. It was too much. (More peasant farmers But soon you’ll see the Son of Man in all his glory. converge.) Is everyone okay? Dorothy and Peasant Farmers: Lord, send your angels to gather the winds from all ends of the earth. Luanna: Our homes…they burned our homes! Bring on the rain, Bring on the rain. Let it douse the flames of hate. Dorothy: Was anyone hurt or taken? Luiz: All we hoped for was to break free. Luanna: No, Just the fires. Free from living in fear, free from living a dejected life Raul: I have nothing left. Nothing. Free to do what you can to live the life you always dreamed you would have. Jose: All that I had is lost. No more running away, no more starting over again. Rosa: Everything that I have is gone. No more walking the path that leaves you open to things beyond your control. Luanna: Luiz, what are we going to do? I trusted you Lord and you failed us once again. Now, it’s up to me to put this to an end. Luiz: Fight back! Men get your guns! I’ll hunt them down; I’ll kill them all Dorothy: No! You must not fight. They’ll never hurt us again. Luiz: We need to attack! Ensemble: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Dorothy: God, I need your guidance. Police Chief: How do you know if they are still at home? Luiz: No more running away, I will stand and fight, I have to protect what’s mine. Policia Civil: Should have taken the offer. Take the offer. Ensemble: Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lord, send your angels; with faith send your angels to Luiz: Where is my family? Where are they? gather the winds from all ends of the earth. Policia Civil: Take the offer, take it! Dorothy: I can’t do this alone. Father, give these people the peace, this gift they deserve. Lord, I need you. Police Chief: They could be anywhere. I can’t do this alone. With faith, with hope I’ll lead my people to the promised land. Policia Civil: Take it! Take it! Luiz: Every day is a fight, a fight to survive, a fight to hold on, hold onto a battered dream. I trusted you Luiz: You bastard! Where are they? (Grabbing the Police Chief) WHERE IS MY Lord. I had faith in you, and you failed us once again. You failed me for the last time. I am the only one who FAMILY? (Police Chief punches Luiz in the stomach and Luiz falls to the ground.) can save us. No more relying on others. No more waiting for failure to kill the dream. Relying on God has Police Chief: Maybe you should reconsider Vito’s offer. (As the men exit, they see the two witnesses, killed my dream. unfazed by what just happened. He speaks to the two men.) How would you two like to make 24,000 Dorothy and Ensemble: Bring on the rain, Bring on the rain. dollars? Luiz: I’m on my own. I control how this will end. Ensemble: Let the waters of God douse the fires of hate. Act II, Scene 1b. Flashback 1990. The Village (The houses are partially rebuilt. We see a shell of the Dorothy: God our fate rests in you. school to indicate the process of rebuilding from the fire.) Luiz: Our fate rests with me. Dorothy: (To Rosa) Plant this over there…it loves the shade. Let the trees protect it. Take this seed, keep them close together, they will spread on their own. —{END OF ACT I}— Rosa: (Worried) But what if the rains don’t come? Dorothy: All it takes is one rain and they are reborn (Hands her a plant.) Be careful with it…only with great ACT II care can this plant stand on its own. (Luiz enters.) Act II, Scene 1a: February 8th, 2005 (Luiz is walking home. Armed men—some in plain clothes, a Dorothy: It is too early to hunt. couple in police uniforms—rush up to him. There are two poor men lounging on the street, apathetically Luiz: I was on a patrol. witnessing the scene.) Dorothy: You should be out in the field. Police Chief: (Not in uniform) Vito made you a good offer yesterday. Luiz: I was on a patrol. Policia Civil: Take the offer. Dorothy: You mean looking for trouble? Luiz: (Walking faster, trying to avoid.) Leave me alone. Get off my land! Luiz: Two more men disappeared. Police Chief: What’s your hurry? Dorothy: From another town! Policia Civil: Take the offer. Luiz: I told the police to get on it! Luiz: Leave me alone, I’m going home. Dorothy: It has been five years since the fire. Five long years, and you’re still on patrol! Police Chief: Home? To your family? Luiz: Yet places still burn, people disappear. Luiz: (Turns around) What did you say? Dorothy: You can’t control that. We need you here. Look at all we’ve rebuilt together. Look at what peace has restored. Offstage choir of farmers: Luiz: (Lifts his rifle.) This restores. Campos do verde. Pacotes da fruta. Fields of green, bundles of fruit. Dorothy: That’s foolish! What about your family and your community. That gun will only get you killed…I am Abundância do alimento para comer. Plenty of food to eat. afraid that your heart is not pure. (Exits) O deus, traz na chuva. God, Bring on the Rain. Soliliquy: (Luiz and Offstage choir of farmers) Agua da vida. Water gives life. What does it take to live the life that you wanted? Logo, todos deleitar-se-a em pacotes, { Soon everyone will feast on. A life you craved the moment you dreamed. pacotes da fruta. Bundles of fruit. Everything gets in the way. The dream is a lie. I had to fight for all my needs. Fight for my food, fight for my home, fight just to live. Luiz: And I believe in her. Oh, Lord not you, Oh, Lord not me, but I believe in her! The dream had to die. Is it too much for you to help us, Lord? So much pain that you’ve caused, so much hate you’ve allowed, —{End Scene}— Why should I waste another moment on prayer? I have seen what you’ve done to your only son—what will you do to my dream? Act II, Scene 2a: February 7th, 2005. Vito’s Office (Mr. Rico, the Police Chief, and some policemen are in I’ve done nothing wrong—nothing to deserve this. Vito’s office. A radio broadcast plays Dorothy’s speech to congress from the day before.) I’ve only done right by the words you command Vito: (To himself, interior dialogue.) It’s happening again. It happened once to my father. And worst of all, you send a servant down here to question my heart! They’ll say just about anything to steal my land. What gives her the right? How dare she question me? It’s happening again. Has she given her blood, sacrificing her only dream? The lies they tell must come to an end. It’s not up to her, It’s only up to me. My control, my beliefs, my life, my choice, my DREAM! I don’t care how it gets done. Tell me Lord, do you fear that you’re powerless over me? I swore to my father and I swear to my son . I could just LET HER DIE? That with all my power they won’t take away what is ours. Would you still question my heart? What am I saying? (Turns off radio. Turns to Mr. Rico.) I thought she was under control. How could I even think that? You said she was under control. Damn it! This could ruin us! I only want to protect what little I have. Mr. Rico: For the past six months I’ve done everything to stop her from talking. What little we BOTH have. Vito: How was she able to do this? She gave up her food, gave up her home, gave up her life. Mr. Rico: Her speech was not approved by the Bishop. She believes in us. She believes in me. Vito: We need to get rid of her. She believes in the dream. Mr. Rico: (Spoken) Get rid of her? (Sung) That’s too risky. Vito: She’s too risky. Mr. Rico: (He looks at police chief.) Can’t you force them out? We’ll look the other way. Dorothy: That’s not good enough. They still burn the forest and kill anyone who gets in Vito: Tried that once before, only made them stronger. (Spoken) Let me handle this. (To the police chief) their way. And some police are aiding him as well. Bring him in. (Luiz is escorted roughly into the room.) The nun’s speech yesterday crossed the line. They tell Mr. Rico: Like I told you, we looked into that. There are only a few bad seeds. me, you and the sister are close. (Spoken) Nothing major. Luiz: (Defiant) What do you want? Dorothy: I think Vito is planning something big. His loggers are surrounding our land. Vito: (False kindness) Please, have a seat. Mr. Rico: (Defensive) Watch who you accuse. Vito has been helpful. In fact, he donated Luiz: I’d rather stand. money to our cause...(Realizes how suspicious that sounds.) Uh…to hire more patrolmen, of course. Vito: Please, I insist. (Defensive) He is still within the law. Luiz: I don’t want to Dorothy: He burned our homes. Vito: You look hungry. (Points to a platter of food.) Take, there’s plenty. Mr. Rico: We cannot prove that. Before you get all righteous, there have been reports, police reports that Luiz: (Pauses, looks at the food) I’m not that hungry. your people are carrying guns. Making idle threats. It would be wise for you to keep quiet. Vito: Then what do you hunger for? As I see it, if you do me this one favor, you will never go hungry again. Dorothy: (Realizing Mr. Rico is corrupt.) We’ve worked together for three decades and you still defend Vito. (Offers Luiz money. Luiz reaches out, it is not seen if he grabs it.) And now you accuse me of wrong doing. Are you righteous enough to do so? (Lights fade onto Dorothy as the line is said, to set up interior monologue.) Act II, Scene 2b: Flashback, 2004. The Office of INCRA (Mr. Dove’s desk is next to Mr. Rico. Mr. Dove’s Mr. Rico: (Spoken) Don’t overreact! I think Vito can still be trusted. I met with him desk has items on it but looks uninhabited. Mr. Dove is suspiciously absent.) many times and he still seems to be within his right… Dorothy: Mr. Rico, thank you for your time. Where’s Mr. Dove? The Mountaintop: (Dorothy and offstage choir. Dorothy, realizing that Mr. Rico has been corrupt all along, Mr. Rico: Away. reflects on the inevitablity of her life.) Dorothy: (Surprised) Away? Where? I don’t know what will happen now. Mr. Rico: Transferred. We’ve come so far, but it’s not quite over yet, Dorothy: But his stuff is….. And my role is this is almost over now. And I know. Mr. Rico: Enough questions. Why are you here? Our meeting with the Bishop is a month away. But I’ve been to the mountaintop Dorothy: We’ve rebuilt. We’ve restored and survived. The school is working, our fruit factory is running. I have seen the promised land, so I don’t mind. Against all odds we still move forward. I lived a full life and the journey’s been long. Mr. Rico: I can’t believe you’ve withstood. I’m surprised you’ve held on for so long. (Spoken) I thought you I may not get there. would’ve left years ago. I may not see the end. Dorothy: The rains can only protect us for so many months. We need to stop Vito once and for all. Stop the But I know, it will happen. invasion of these loggers. We will go to the mountaintop Mr. Rico: We are trying our best. We will see the promised land We will reach the mountaintop. (Choir offstage: Bring on the rain. Bring on the rain.) I could die. O God, give me strength, as I am their VOICE! I could lose my life for the struggle. I’ll make them listen. I’ll make them listen to me to guarantee this dream can SURVIVE! I am scared, but won’t be afraid. (As Dorothy gives her speech, we see the last six days of her life in order. This speech set her last days I fear no evil, as you are with me Lord. into motion.) I have so much to gain, if I die, then let me die! (Choir offstage: Reach the mountaintop.) Dorothy: (Spoken) My fellow Brazilians: I come to you as a citizen of the Amazon. I do not come here today Then we’ll reach the mountaintop. to ask for your help. I ask for your mercy. Our adversity is not the poor soil or drought. It is the loggers who We will reach the promised land. illegally steal our land. Have you ever heard the scream of a monkey as its home is being destroyed? Its We will reach the mountaintop. (Lights come back up to full as if time has not passed). echo is worse than a thunderbolt before the rain falls. All these years we have asked for help and all we Mr. Rico: (Spoken): Don’t overreact! I think Vito can still be trusted. I met with him many times and he still have seen is apathy and corruption. For once, from this tired and corrupt system, give us mercy. Blessed seems to be within his right. are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy, and together we shall see the kingdom of God. (Crowd cheers. Dorothy: In six months time, I’m going to the capital to name names. As the cacophony of sound reaches its highest climax we return to the dirt path on the Amazon from Act Mr. Rico: Now why would you go and do something like that? 1, Scene 1a) Dorothy: Once and for all, things will be made right! (Exits) Mr. Rico: (Picks up the phone and dials.) We have a problem. Act II, Finale: February 12th, 2005. (The Amazon, a dirt path. Sr. Dorothy Stang is wearing a T-Shirt with writing on the shirt: “Connect people to land, connect them to God.” Two gunmen enter with their —{End Scene}— guns drawn.) Dorothy: I thought I made it clear to you yesterday. (To herself) I thought I made it clear. (Gunmen point Act II, Scene 3a: February 6th, 2005 (The Capital. Dorothy is speaking to the Assembly.) their pistols at her. She gets out her bible from her satchel.) This is my only weapon. (To herself) I really thought Choir: Hear us. Listen to us. Hear the cries of the poor. (Dorothy, reflecting before she gives her speech.) I made it clear. (Holds up her bible.) Blessed are the poor for theirs is the kingdom…blessed are the… Will They Listen (Dorothy and offstage choir) Gunman No. 1: (Shoots her six times and they both exit. All is silent. The rain comes, cleansing Dorothy’s Will they listen? Will they listen today? Will they hear the cries of the poor? body. Luiz enters and cradles Dorothy.) I hope they listen. I hope they listen to me. So many years, no one has heard. O God, O God, let them hear. Make them hear the cries of the poor. —{End of Opera}— Make them listen. Make them listen to me to guarantee a life for tomorrow. (Offstage choir: Hear us. Listen to us.) Think of tomorrow and all we can achieve. O God, O God, this dream may die today. (Offstage choir: Will they listen? Hear us.) If they don’t what all these struggles mean to me, And someone shows us mercy and restores my people’s dignity. The Composer Doug Jabara (Police Chief/Mr. Dove) is an accomplished performer and voice teacher. Hailing from Evan Mack is a noted composer and pianist who received his D.M.A. in piano performance from the Brooklyn, New York, Doug has taught and performed in a wide variety of musical genres. He has University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. As a pianist Mack has performed across taught vocal technique at New York University’s Musical Theatre Conservatory: CAP 21. Doug recently the U.S. as well as in Spain and South Africa championing the music of American composers. He released his debut CD: Broadway: The Way It Was...More at www.DouglasJabara.com has performed with ensembles such as the Cincinnati Symphony Chamber Players, the Dayton Philharmonic and the Kentucky Symphony, among others. His compositions include the award- Amanda Lee (Mariana) a Florida native, is a recent graduate of Westminster Choir College in winning opera, Angel of the Amazon, which garnered the Boston Metro Opera Main Stage Award. He Princeton, New Jersey. She has performed with the New York Philharmonic and Dresden Philharmonic has composed five musicals, three of which are for children’s theater, as well as numerous popular and worked with such companies as Princeton Festival, New Jersey Opera, West Minster Opera songs and classical works. His choral suite, Dream of Freedom, was a Selection Winner of the National Theatre, and the Lyric Orchestra. Association of Composers, San Francisco and the UCM New Music Festival and is published by Hal Leonard. His ballet, Pinocchio, premiered by the Charleston Ballet has been hailed as “the springtime Nutcarcker.” Caitlin Mathes (Sister Dorothy Stang) is a native of Dayville, Connecticut. She is the 2011 Lotte www.EvanMack.com and www.AngeloftheAmazon.com Lenya Competition winner. She is a recent graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she has sung Idamante in Idomeneo, Ruggiero in Alcina, and Ottavia in L’incoronazione di Poppea, among others. During the summer of 2009, she was a participant of San Francisco Opera’s Merola The Cast Opera program, where she sang the role of Despina in Cossi fan tutte. Ms. Mathes has appeared as Michael Armstrong Barr (Policia Civil/Miguel) has worked extensively on the professional stage having a young artist with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Chautauqua Opera, and recently has sung performed from Shakespeare to Sondheim, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Australia, in a self several one woman cabarets in Spoleto, Italy, and Cincinnati, Ohio. She is currently a Studio Artist written one man show entitled Star Spangled Boxer Shots. with the Portland Opera.

Jose Canderlaria (Policia Civil/Paco) is an actor, singer/songwriter, and alumnus of the University of Brittany Palmer (Luanna) has performed in roles with Opera North, Rochester Philharmonic Miami (Florida). His theater credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus); The Hidden Sky (Enders) Orchestra, Western New York Chamber Orchestra, Osh Opera, Opera Gaya, Morningside Opera, and television/film credits are Bored to Death (HBO) and American Idol 7 (FOX). University of North Florida, New York Sinfonia, and Encompass New Opera Theatre. She is a member of the SIREN Baroque Ensemble. Amanda-Camille Isaac’s (Isabella) classical career started in her earlier years singing at Carnegie Hall. Her many performances include Mercedes (Carmen), Diva (Starmites), Sara (Ragtime), and in José Rubio (Luiz) is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma in Opera at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Slave Ship in Liverpool, England. She is currently with the world renowned Harlem Gospel Choir. Music He was a Studio Artist with the Portland Opera in 2010, and his leading credits include Marcello and Schaunard in La Boheme, Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, the title role in Gianni Schicchi, Sam in Jennifer Caruana (Rosa) has performed in a critically acclaimed performance as Dorabella in Trouble in Tahiti, Papageno in The Magic Flute, Dr. Rappaccini in La Hija de Rappaccini, Masetto in Delaware Valley Opera’s production of Cosi fan tutte. as well as Mercers in Carmen with the New Don Giovanni, Marullo in Rigoletto, and Barone Douphol in La Traviata. His summer experience York Lyric Opera. As an oratorio soloist, she has performed with the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Maryland includes the Opera Festival in Lucca Italy, as well as two summers at the Music Academy of the West. Chamber Orchestra, and the Connecticut Choral Society. Adam Russell (Vito/Landowner) Adam sang the title role of Gounod’s Faust as tenor soloist in The Pittsburgh Opera Theatre. She collaborated with and directed Only Heaven by Ricky Ian Gordon. In recent Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins with DCINY at Avery Fisher Hall, and as tenor soloist in seasons she produced and directed the 75th Anniversary production of Stein/Thomson’s Four Saints in Beethoven’s Ninth with The Staten Island Philharmonic. His opera roles include the title role of Faust, Three Acts, the first American opera to play on Broadway, and the world premiere of Louis Gioia’s operaI Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, and Don Jose in Carmen. Tre Compagni. She is the librettist for The Theory of Everything, a new opera exploring science and spirituality with music by Josh David Earnest. Justin Ryan (Bishop/Gunmen No. 2) performed the role of Berdret in Vincent D’Indy’s opera Fervaal with the American Symphony Orchestra and Etienne Grandet in Naughty Marietta. At Carnegie Hall, Mara Waldman (Music Director/Conductor) holds a Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music, he has appeared as a soloist in Mozart’s Requiem and Schubert’s Mass in G. Other roles in New York was a winner of the New York Chopin Foundation Council International Auditions, The International include Horace Tabor in Ballad of Baby Doe and the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Piano Recording Competition, recorded the solo piano music of Vittorio Rieti for Columbia Records, and made her debut at Carnegie Recital Hall. She began conducting with the Bel Canto Opera Lara Stevens (Sister Dorothy cover) has performed as a soloist with the New York Philharmonic Company, and did five productions with them, which all received high praise in the New York press. in two concerts honoring Leonard Bernstein, and was featured in the concert version of Kurt Weill She has been a cover conductor for the New York City Opera on its national tours, a guest conductor and Ira Gershwin’s operetta, The Firebrand of Florence. She was a soloist in the Mozart requiem at and teacher with the New Opera Festival de Roma since 1999, and has worked regularly with the Carnegie hall with the New England Symphony. Additionally, Lara was a principal artist at Utah New York Grand Opera. Festival Opera. Tony Bellomy (Pianist/Assistant Music Director) holds degree’s in both piano performance and vocal Elex Lee Vann (Raul/Gunmen No. 1/Mr. Rico) His voice has captured the hearts of many as he sang accompanying/opera coaching. He has coached and played for the Florentine Opera and the Skylight Opera the vision of “I Have a Dream” speech from the Late Martin Luther King Jr. Elex has performed at Theatre. Tony was also a visiting member of the Black Hills Summer Institute of the Arts. He has conducted La Scala in Italy and Opera Bastille in Paris. His repertoire includes performances with Pittsburgh in New York Lyric Opera, Little Opera Theatre of New York, and New Jersey Versimo. He is the Associate Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Los Angeles Opera. Conductor for the Grace Choral Society of New York.

Encompass New Opera Theatre is dedicated to the creation, development and production of adventurous The Artistic Staff new music theatre and contemporary opera, as well as the revival of important musical works by American Nancy Rhodes (Stage Director/Producer) has championed American opera since founding Encompass New and international composers. In the vanguard of companies devoted to widening the recognition of America’s Opera Theatre with an award-winning production of the Virgil Thomson/Gertrude Stein opera The Mother outstanding composers, dramatists, singers and musicians, Encompass has, since its inception in 1975, of Us All. She directed Copland’s The Tender Land, Thomson’s Lord Byron at Alice Tully Hall. Blitzstein’s produced more than 56 full-scale productions with orchestra and staged readings of more than 155 new Regina, and acclaimed production of Grigori Frid’s opera, The Diary of Anne Frank and numerous opera/ works, from jazz and cabaret to musicals and opera. musical theatre productions in Europe and Asia including Britten’s Death in Venice in Stockholm, and Eccentrics, Outcast, and Visionaries, A Century of American Opera for the Holland Festival in Amsterdam. She directed the world premiere of Kirke Mechem’s opera Tartuffe for the San Francisco Opera and

Evan Mack

A New American Opera

by Evan Mack

CD1 CD2 1 Act 1, Scene 1A: February 12, The Amazon, A Dirt Path [3:03] 1 Act 2, Scene 1A: February 8, Near the Village [2:28] 2 Act 1, Scene 1B: Flashback 1969, 2 Act 2, Scene 1B: Flashback, 1990, A Rebuilt Village [3:20]

Dorothy’s First Day in the Amazon [6:08] 3 Luiz’s Soliloquy [5:36] 3 Have I Not Wept? [4:15] 4 Act 2, Scene 2A: February 7, Vito’s Office [3:58] 4 Act 1, Scene 2A: February 11, A Village in the Amazon [5:48] 5 Act 2, Scene 2B: Flashback, 2004 in Mr. Rico’s Office [4:29] 5 Act 1, Scene 2B: Flashback 1972, 6 the Mountain Top [5:41] A Village in the Amazon [3:26] 7 Act 2, Scene 3A: February 6, The Capital [1:09] 6 Freedom to Fail [1:36] 8 Will They Listen? [4:47]

7 Brazilian Farmer’s Song [5:03] 9 Act 2, Finale: February 12, The Amazon, A Dirt Path [3:21] 8 Act 1, Scene 3A: February 10, The Police Station [4:54] total Time = 34:54 9 Act 1, Scene 3B: Flashback, 1980 Meeting at the Bishop’s [10:01] original New York City Production 10 Act 1, Scene 4A: February 9, The Bishop’s Office [4:48]

by Encompass New Opera Theatre troy 1323/24 11 Act 1, Scene 4B: Flashback 1990, A Developed Village in the Amazon [5:26] Recorded Live at the Baryshnikov Arts Center’s Angel of the Amazon 12 Bring on the Rain [4:31] Jerome Robbins Theatre total Time = 59:06

www.albanyrecords.com

TROY1323/24 albany records u.s. 915 broadway, albany, ny 12207 tel: 518.436.8814 fax: 518.436.0643 albany records u.k. box 137, kendal, cumbria la8 0xd tel: 01539 824008 © 2012 Albany Records made in the usa DDD warning: copyright subsists in all recordings issued under this label. Evan Mack