One Man Press
Independent Publishing
Excerpted text and illustrations from the libretto of the modern opera:
Written and Illustrated by Larry Hunt
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Miner
Crowd
Co-workers (6)
Can
Cactus (2)
Rose
Dust
Rust
GlassACT I - FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN
PRELUDE
It is twilight-time before the dawn. In the midst of a panoramic view of city lights, a MINER stands.
He informs us of his desire, his determination, to search out and find a companion; a modest, honest girl who has been overlooked by others.
In this self-centered, crooked world, which he likens to an unbearable desert, there does exist such a girl; a beautiful ROSE. She is contrasted by what this world deems as riches: gold, silver, precious gems. He sees these women for their true worth.
OVERTURE
SCENE ONE: DAWN
As dawn breaks, the MINER is viewing his television set in his rickety old shack.
All he sees is bad news as he turns from one station to another. Unable to bear anymore, he leaves the room, slamming the door.
There is no escape from the twisted attitudes and extreme actions of the world he must survive in. His only contentment is the hope he holds for finding the ROSE.
He is caught in the inner workings of the mine, in the gears that keep the whole society of men turning. No matter how hard he tries he is not allowed to be free.
He dreams though - and oh how he dreams. A time when both you and he will be free from this corrosive machine. When the rain will wash the streets clean.
He runs beneath a looming electrical tower, a symbol of the inescapable and intimidating power the system possesses. He's dreamed of passing it, to reach the place where the ROSE grows, untouched by men. But the cynical, pessimistic attitudes of the world are creeping in. He was born here, it exists in him. So negative
thinking sets in personified by a bent and discarded tin CAN.
The MINER rebels against him, kicking him away to flee past the tower.
Society's henchmen, CACTUS bullies, intercept him and thwart his attempt to be free.
Overpowered, he is nailed to a railway track- punishment for his non-conformity.
SCENE TWO: NOON
It is noontime as the MINER is sent back to work slaving in the mine. Excited beyond belief, his CO-WORKERS celebrate the fact that one of their number has found gold! The MINER however, recognizes it for what it is - fool's gold.
SCENE THREE: DUSK
Dusk begins as the MINER walks home in the setting sun. He knows he will find the ROSE.
ACT II - RAIN IN THE DESERT
SCENE ONE: DAWN
Dawn breaks as another day arrives for the MINER.
SCENE TWO: NOON
The bright desert sky announces noon has arrived.
SCENE THREE: DUSK
The noon is fading and the sun is reaching its final descent.
Both the MINER and the ROSE have found themselves a home - in one another.
True love has triumphed and the opposing forces against it have been made to admit their error. The possibilities are endless and a waiting world looks on, entranced, then back again to their worthless ways.
POSTLUDE
The twilight-time after dusk flickers brightly above the reflecting city
lights.
Do you hear it from this safe distance on the hill or are you lending your strength to the rubble rabble?
Choices aren't inherited - they're made.
Initiative and steadfastness is needed.
The choice is yours. Make it a good one.
