SC Connecticut News

The Yale Peabody Museum, in collaboration with the Yale Schwarzman Center, will present an experimental opera titled "mɔɹnɪŋ [Morning//Mourning]" on November 4. The opera, created by composer and musician Gelsey Bell, imagines Earth in the aftermath of human extinction. This event marks the first time a musical performance will be held in the museum's newly renovated Central Gallery.

Gelsey Bell, known for her role in the Broadway musical "Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812," drew inspiration for this work from Alan Weisman's book "The World Without Us." The performance explores themes of nature's resilience and evolution over eons without humans. "I was inspired by how in awe of the power of the natural world I felt after reading that book," said Bell.

Chris Norris, director of public programs at the Peabody Museum, emphasized the significance of using new facilities to host such events. "Part of the pleasure of having a newly renovated museum with new facilities is seeing what we can do with them," he stated.

The opera features five vocalists and multi-instrumentalists guiding audiences through Earth's transformations post-humanity. It has been described by The New York Times as “obviously ominous but ultimately sly and sweet.” Rachel Fine, executive director at Schwarzman Center, expressed pride in their associate artistic director Jennifer Harrison Newman for identifying this opportunity.

Bell hopes that attendees will reflect on their relationship with nature and other species sharing our planet. She remarked, “I’m hoping the show will make people pay more attention to the natural world and the other animals with whom we share this planet.”

"mɔɹnɪŋ [Morning//Mourning]" begins at 7:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to register online beforehand. The Yale Peabody Museum is located at 170 Whitney Avenue in New Haven.