In fulfillment of my Doctoral degree at the University of North Texas, a series of self-contained, yet conceptually linked, compositions will comprise the macro-structure of a multimedia chamber opera. The subject of the chamber opera is modeled on the "true story" of my own father's exorcism by a Malay Animist-Shaman (Bomoh) in the early 1960's, in Singapore.
In a series of interviews with a pair of eye-witnesses, Felicity and Tano Oliveiro (my grandparents) explain the myths, religion, rites and social settings that contextualise this story. A selection of excerpts from these interviews are available on soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/markusmusic-1/sets/the-bomoh-interviews-march-03
It is not the intention of this project to offer a linear or literal re-telling of this story. Rather, most poignant in the themes, images and detail of the story is the recurrence of common symbols, metaphors and other such poetic device. It is from these motives and themes that each composition will draw develop its structures and material.
Some of these symbols/metaphors/themes include:
- The "Monkey"
- "Trees"
- "Shaman" and "Medicine Man" culture
- "Islam" and "Muslim" culture
- Burial
- Spirits and Possession
- Culinary culture: "Saffron"/"Chilli"
- Charms
- "Pontianak" (female succubus type ghost)
- The "hut"
- "Suso" (power)
Each of the component compositions (or movements) will explore the various notions set forth by the visceral themes and symbols explained in the podcast.
These interviews (link above), may be used as additional source material at the discretion of the post-production team.
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