H.M.S. Pinafore
The complete Vocal Score -- Acts 1 and 2 (216MB PDF format)
This Chinese translation is the first ever of the English libretto. (1.5MB PDF format)
A video of a performance by the Lyric Theatre of San José October 1-9, 2011
The Youtube link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsu551EY59U
H.M.S. PINAFORE
皮纳福号军舰
Proposal for Shenzhen
By Don Rechtman 唐瑞民
I propose that Shenzhen via one of its agencies or organizations sponsor financially and promotionally a fully staged production of the British English operetta H.M.S. Pinafore.
H.M.S. Pinafore is one of 14 light operas (operettas) written and composed by William Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan (G&S). Written and first performed in 1878, it remains a mainstay of light opera companies throughout the world. To the best of my knowledge, it was last performed in mainland China (in English) at the Shandong University Art College in December, 2013.
It makes fun of British aristocracy, societal class distinctions, and the behavior of British sailors during the late 1800s. Its targets of satire are very much in line both with China’s ideals of “socialism with Chinese characteristics” and with the current movement to eliminate corruption.
My personal experience with G&S includes several years participating and working with an American G&S organization called “The Southeastern Savoyards.” My voice teacher was Rue Knapp; he played the lead roles in another company called the “American Savoyards,” and was in turn the student of one of the prominent members of the original London-based D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. My work included singing in most of the performances in the mid-late 1980s as well as co-directing one performance of Pinafore with its director and sister of Rue Knapp, Sally Knapp. My primary purpose for participating was, as I am primarily a composer rather than a singer, to study the music and productions of G&S.
I have already attained a competent first time ever Chinese translation of the libretto. (The Shandong performance did not have a translation available.) My translation is suitable for subtitles projecting during the performance; this will make it very convenient to produce the operetta in its original English.
A typical cast consists of 11 leads and around 15 to 20 chorus members. Some of the lead roles can be filled by invitation; all other parts would require auditions.
The orchestra consists of winds and brass by two’s, strings, and one percussion player (tympani, bass drum, cymbals, and triangle). Strings are 6,4,4,4,2.
I already have all the orchestral and vocal parts in my possession, and as the music is public domain, our only sheet music costs will be its printing and copying.
The vision is to produce a fully staged and costumed performance that will take place two back to back weekends. Performances would be Friday evening, Saturday evening, and a Sunday matinee, for a total of six scheduled performances. The set can be designed to be simple and sufficiently modular so that it could be moved to different venues, and may involve an LED cyclorama for additional set effects.
My responsibilities may include
· planning and implementing the auditions and role assignments
· scheduling rehearsal attendances
· directing the acting, including blocking
· coaching the pronunciation
· working with set and costume designers to ensure the total vision is realized
· working with management to ensure smooth progress
· overseeing the dance choreographer
· overseeing light and sound technicians
· managing stage hands
The responsibilities of the Shenzhen-involved organization may include
· scheduling and venue selection
· financial appropriation and distribution, including assisting with establishing a budget
· finding and managing sponsors
· working with the Guangdong British Chamber of Commerce for promotional and resource assistance
· arranging for audition times and venues
· printed materials preparation and distribution, including music
· making arrangements for the orchestra personnel
· house and ticket management
Don “Orfeo” Rechtman (唐瑞民)
16C Star Pavilion, Phase II, Masterdamingyuan, Taining Road, Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 518001
广东省深圳市罗湖区太宁路万事达名苑二期明星阁16C
518001
Phone (China): (+86) 135-2889-6144
Weixin (WeChat) name: oorfeo
don@orfeomusic.org