Aqua Tofana [IN PROGRESS]

• Year of composition: 2024

• Instrumentation: three singers (soprano, mezzo-soprano & baritone), ensemble (flute, Bb/bass clarinet, percussion, piano, violin, cello) & electronics

• Duration: 75' approx.

• Premiere: TBA

• Program notes:

1650’s Rome, wealth, power and politics pervade the city. The ruling class asserts its status and authority at every opportunity. Women throughout the capital are systematically denied autonomy over their lives, reduced to pawns for the betterment of their families through advantageous betrothals. Many find themselves trapped in loveless and at times abusive marriages.

Giulia Tofana, the apothecarist who holds the solution; Aqua Tofana, a colourless, odourless poison easily disguised amongst a lady’s perfumes and easily slipped into an unsuspecting husband’s drink. Operative Productions presents a work in progress staging that explores a woman who thrived at the intersection of right and wrong.