A remarkable operatic poem, Ellen West plunges into the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges of a woman struggling with perceptions of her body, her relationship with food, and the world closing in around her. Inspired by one of the earliest cases of existential analysis, poet Frank Bidart and composer Ricky Ian Gordon examine the lives of psychiatrist Ludwig Binswanger and his patient, Ellen West. Bidart’s poem, which serves as the opera’s libretto, juxtaposes the clinical observations of Binswanger with fictitious entries of Ellen’s journals, illuminating a psychological portrait of a woman at war with her body.
Co-produced by Beth Morrison Projects and Opera Saratoga
Co-produced and commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects: Beth Morrison, President and Creative Producer; Opera Saratoga: Lawrence Edelson, Artistic and General Director; with generous leadership support from The Poetry Foundation, The Ted and Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund, Sharon & Richard Ellingsen, Kiki & David Gindler, The Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts, and NewMusic USA
The world-premiere production of Ellen West was a co-production of Beth Morrison Projects and Opera Saratoga
Ellen West 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, and by public funds from The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council
*every ticket to this performance includes a donation to support the vitality of this festival
