The Plague Bearer
Music by Stefanie Lubkowski
Libretto by Aiden K. Feltkamp
A chamber opera for 6 singers and 5 musicians
Runtime approximately 70 minutes
In a peaceful village a midwife and a non-binary black-smith must combine their skills to defeat a supernatural being who is infecting the villagers with a deadly plague. The two villagers conflict with the local magnate, who is colluding with the plague spirit.
Film produced by Strange Trace and directed by Elena Stabile
Featuring Erin DuBois, flute; Nicole Parks, violin; Lev Mamuya, cello; Clover Nahabedian, keyboards;
Dan Reifsteck, percussion
Cast:
Mikolaj Abranczyk: Clara Zornado
Artemia Kaprowska: Frances Kruske
Morsinia (singer 1): Erin Matthews
Morsinia (singer 2): Joshua Scheid
Magnate Skorumpo: Felix Aguilar Tomlinson
Zuzanna: Elena Stabile
Morsinia’s Appearance
In a peaceful village, Mikolaj, a non-binary black-smith, is interrupted in their work by their mother Zuzanna’s sudden illness, which is revealed to have been brought on by the plague spirit Morsinia.
Zuzanna’s Lullaby
Unfortunately, Artemia cannot save Mikolaj’s mother, who dies during the confrontation.
Mikolaj’s Grief Aria
A few days later, Artemia checks in on Mikolaj, who expresses his grief and desire to defeat Morsinia. Artemia suggests that together they create a potion and sword to vanquish the plague spirit. Artemia then sets off to gather herbs for her potion and Mikolaj starts work on the sword. Meanwhile, Skorumpo bids the villagers to let Morsinia into their homes.
Skorumpo’s Aria
Mikolaj brings Artemia, the midwife, back from the outskirts of the village to help their mother. The village magnate, Skorumpo barges into their home to declare Artemia a witch and demand that she leave.
Morsinia’s Aria
Morsinia visits Skorumpo later that evening and convinces him to help expose the villagers to the plague in exchange for his life. Morsinia then reveals their eternal and destructive nature.
Conclusion
When Artemia returns to the village with her potion, she confesses her romantic feelings for Mikolaj, who reveals that they reciprocate her feelings. After these declarations, the pair go to the town center to confront Morsinia. Mikolaj is able to run a defiant Morsinia through with their magic sword. Skorumpo falls down into a swoon, and although Artemia insists on trying to save him, the magnate dies. The villagers now see the treachery at work and hail Artemia and Mikolaj as heroes.
Life returns to normal in the village and Artemia and Mikolaj are able to happily pursue a life together.
Vocal and Instrumental Specifications
Vocal ranges:
Mikolaj Abranczyk: non-binary singer, D3-G5
Artemia Kaprowska: soprano, A3-B flat 5
Morsinia (singer 1): soprano, D flat 4- D6
Morsinia (singer 2): baritone, G flat 2 – F#4, with falsetto D4-D5
Magnate Skorumpo: tenor, C#3 – G4
Zuzanna: soprano, B3-F5
Instrumental Ensemble:
Flute (doubling on piccolo)
Violin
Violoncello
Piano/Electric Organ
Percussion (vibraphone, brake drum, filed drum, 2 woodblocks [high and low] snare, ride cymbal)
