US Premiere

IYOV

January 15-16 and 18-20, 2018 at HERE’s Mainstage Theatre

An opera-requiem, IYOV is a story of the biblical character Job’s life, pride and disbelief. Named for the Hebrew word for Job, IYOV centers on the man’s search for life’s meaning through a synthesis of musical and theatrical techniques ranging from ancient Greek drama to baroque opera and more. Combining minimalism and the avant-garde, neoclassicism and rock, the music of IYOV features polyphonic choral episodes and instrumental interludes that alternate with a full range of the human voice: everything from classical, jazz and folk singing to breathing, screaming, whispering and overtone singing. At the center of IYOV’s musical landscape is an exceptional piano that sonically transforms into a self-contained orchestra, echoing a harpsichord, drums, and even a synthesizer and other electronic instruments. An extraordinary Ukrainian opera, IYOV blends an emotional journey, the birth of a new sound, and the endless possibilities of the human voice.

 

IYOV was created in 2015 at the order of the festival of contemporary art, GogolFestIYOV is made possible by the Trust for Mutual Understanding.

 

Piano for IYOV generously provided by Amadeus Pianos.

 

IYOV is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

 

Photos by Maria Baranova.

Cast
Actor Marina Celander
Singer Mariana Holovko
Singer Ruslan Kirsh
Singer Andrii Koshman
Singer Hanna Marych
Singer Yevhen Rakhmanin
Singer Oleksandra Turyanska
Instrumentalist Zhanna Marchinska
Instrumentalist Andrii Nadolskyi
Instrumentalist Illia Razumeiko