Byline: Jerrad Moore/Assignment Editor, Braden Harper/Reporter
WILMINGTON, Delaware – A new opera, “Girondines,” debuted at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and ran from Oct. 21-23. One of the opera’s creators, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Citizen Dr. Kirsten C. Kunkle, appeared on Live Wire to discuss the new production.
“Girondines” follows six women living through the reign of terror during the French Revolution. Dr. Kunkle described the characters as neither wealthy nor poor but did share the same Girondin Political Views of the time. Dr. Kunkle is the artistic director for the Wilmington Concert Opera.
The Girondin movement comprising people from all walks of life, including politicians, merchants, and lawyers. They were characterized by their criticisms of the court and supported foreign wars to unite people in revolution. Many of the Girondins were infamously purged and executed by guillotine, including three of the characters from the opera.
The title Girondine is the feminine form of the movement’s name. The opera’s titular characters are based on historical women, including artists, writers, and scientists. The production consists of 12 roles exclusively for women; no male characters exist.
“They all have these significant historical backgrounds, and it’s all true except for a slight twist of fiction where I make them all friends,” Dr. Kunkle said. “They discuss politics and what’s important to them, but they also support each other all the way through the opera.”
Because certain events in the story did not happen, the production is a revisionist historical account. However, it is a story that depicts women supporting one another, a trope only sometimes found in mainstream theater, cinema, or media.
“Girondines” was a collaboration between Dr. Kunkle and composer Sarah Van Sciver. Dr. Kunkle wrote the libretto, or the opera’s text, and Van Sciver composed the music for the text.
Although Van Sciver is California based, the duo was able to work on the story together remotely. According to Dr. Kunkle, the pandemic lockdowns freed up a lot of time for them to work together.
“Where are we going? We’re not going anywhere; let’s write an opera,” Dr. Kunkle said, recalling the early stages of the script.
The production is unique in that it is a story told by women, for women. It was written and produced by a woman and starred an all-female cast. According to Dr. Kunkle, although you probably never learned about these historical characters, they are still important.
“This is part of our attempt to change that (female representation in theater) and create a legacy for women in opera as well as bringing up a legacy of these historical figures, most of whom are not really remembered today,” Dr. Kunkle said.
The Wilmington Concert Opera is a nonprofit organization that is funded by grants. Performances produced by the nonprofit are also supported through fundraisers and donations.
Dr. Kunkle does not take her position in the arts for granted. Her presence and perspective as a Muskogee Woman are unique and serve as a beacon for others.
“If I can be somebody that encourages anybody to get out there and just try it, that is such a blessing for me,” Dr. Kunkle said. “I love what I do.”
Dr. Kunkle invites anyone who has questions about the performance to contact her by email kirstenckunkle@gmail.com.
