“No tenors, no arias, no orchestra pit, no plot. Can You, My Mother really be called an opera? Yes, it can! Despite the lack of traditional trappings, this new work by downtown troupe Two-Headed Calf does exactly what opera is supposed to do, brilliantly melding music and text to deliver an emotional wallop.” [New York Post]
Stop! or my mom will percuss
“No tenors, no arias, no orchestra pit, no plot. Can You, My Mother really be called an opera?”
By La Cieca La Cieca
James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.
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