Pathfinder
Libretto by Robert Feng, Composed by Jane Kozhevnikova
A Sci-Fi Operetta
When the astronaut Tao is selected by a prestigious space program to be the first human to step foot on and terraform Mars, a jealous tech billionaire does all that he can to claim that glory for himself.
Jumping back and forth between Tao's struggles on Mars and her struggles as a poor second generation Asian American growing up in LA, Pathfinder tells the story of resilience, family, and sacrifice.
This work's central aria (Another leap) was created as part of Really Spicy Opera's Institute for Composers & Librettists: Sci-Fi Edition.
Characters:
TAO HONG (soprano or mezzo)
(Asian Female, 20-30) a young astronaut who is the first human to step foot on Mars as part of Pathfinder Space Program’s goal to terraform the red planet.
DARREON HAWTHORNE (baritone)
(Asian/Mixed Asian Male 35-55) world famous tech-billionaire who has recently purchased the Pathfinder Space Program; his ego will not allow anyone else but him to terraform Mars.
HAWTHORNE'S ASSISTANT (Asian Female, 20-40)
TAO'S MOTHER (Asian Female, 30-80*)
*her age progresses throughout the flashbacks
HAWTHORNE'S FATHER (Asian or White Male, 30-40)
YOUNG TAO (Asian Female, 10-15)
YOUNG HAWTHORNE (Asian/Mixed Asian Male, 10-15)
AUNTIE (Asian Female, 40-50)
Tao's Auntie
GRACE (Asian Female, 20-30)
Tao's sister
"And here we stand, specks among gods.
We traverse this cosmic sea to make them
our home"
WORK SAMPLES
Tao's Aria: Another Leap
performed by:
Bridget Ann Johnston (mezzo-soprano)
Jodi Goble (piano)
Commissioned by Really Spicy Opera's Aria Institute for Composers and Librettists: Sci-Fi Edition (2024)
Hawthorne's Aria:
I have reached the pinnacle
performed by:
Daniel Chiu (baritone)
Dura Jun (piano)
Tao/Hawthorne Duet: One Day
(Another Leap Reprise)
Midi Performance