Awakenings (opera)

Opera based on Oliver Sacks' book

Awakenings is an opera in two acts composed by Tobias Picker with a libretto by Aryeh Lev Stollman. The opera is based on the 1973 book Awakenings by Oliver Sacks, which recounts the true story of a group of patients who were treated with the drug L-DOPA after decades of being in a catatonic state due to encephalitis lethargica.

Background

Oliver Sacks, author of the book "Awakenings"

The opera Awakenings was commissioned by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and premiered on June 5, 2022. The story is set in the late 1960s at a hospital in the Bronx, New York, where Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a character based on Oliver Sacks, works with patients who have been in a catatonic state for decades. The opera explores themes of hope, the human spirit, and the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals.

Plot

The opera opens with Dr. Sayer's arrival at the hospital, where he encounters the patients who have been unresponsive for many years. He becomes particularly interested in Leonard, a patient who shows signs of awareness. Dr. Sayer decides to administer L-DOPA, a new drug, to Leonard, leading to a miraculous "awakening."

As Leonard and other patients begin to experience life again, they face the challenges of adjusting to a world that has moved on without them. The opera delves into the emotional and psychological impact of their reawakening, as well as the temporary nature of their recovery, as the effects of L-DOPA begin to wane.

Music

Tobias Picker's score for Awakenings is noted for its emotional depth and complexity. The music reflects the inner lives of the characters, with motifs that capture the sense of longing and hope. Picker employs a variety of musical styles, from lyrical arias to more dissonant passages, to convey the tumultuous journey of the patients and their caregivers.

Characters

• Dr. Malcolm Sayer – A neurologist inspired by Oliver Sacks, dedicated to finding a treatment for his patients.
• Leonard – A patient who becomes the first to "awaken" after receiving L-DOPA.
• Rose – Another patient who experiences a brief return to consciousness.
• Nurse Costello – A compassionate nurse who assists Dr. Sayer.
• Dr. Kaufman – A skeptical colleague of Dr. Sayer.

Production

The world premiere of Awakenings was directed by James Robinson and conducted by Roberto Kalb. The production was praised for its sensitive portrayal of the characters and its innovative staging, which included projections and lighting effects to enhance the storytelling.

Themes

Awakenings explores several themes, including the resilience of the human spirit, the ethical implications of medical interventions, and the fleeting nature of life. The opera raises questions about the responsibilities of doctors to their patients and the impact of medical breakthroughs on individuals and society.

Related pages

• Oliver Sacks
• Encephalitis lethargica
• L-DOPA
• Opera Theatre of Saint Louis