I am utterly OBSESSED with the idea of directing a production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny using my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama.
Industrial city that rose out of nowhere in the American south around the turn of the century? Check.
Long history of capitalist corruption in all levels of government? Check.
Very bad weather during the warm months? Check.
Racial injustice that, while not present in the text of the opera in on a passing reading in the text, would do a lot to hit the themes of the libretto home and render the opera even more culturally relevant? Check.
An opportunity to use the world’s largest cast iron statue (that happens to be pantsless) to give new and hilarious meaning to the song “Moon of Alabama?” Check-a-fuckin’-roo.
Opera companies, hire me