2014 Theses Master's

Wake

Teo, Mei Ann

This is the thesis paper supporting the production WAKE by Mei Ann Teo. A mother commits an unforgivable act by accidentally killing her own child. Fueled by unending guilt, she cycles through haunting dreamscapes of death and rebirth. As her reality decomposes into surreal nightmare, she voices her infinite despair amidst vivid visual and sound environments. Inspired by a true story, WAKE is a multidisciplinary music theatre work that is part theatre, dance, opera, chamber and electronic music. Composed by Jon Bernstein (also known as Disparition) with libretto by Christopher Chen (2013 Paula Vogel Playwriting Award), WAKE stems from real documentary interviews. Investigating the psychic effects of guilt and grief, WAKE explores how—when it feels as though there is no way to move on—we seek a way to continue. This modern tragedy features opera singer Marnie Breckenridge (Dog Days, Time Out New York “Best Opera of 2012”, Peak Performances at Montclair State University).