Xylem (2021)

A Minnesota Opera Commission, this mini opera explores climate change via the story of a tree named Tara, whose libidinous network of roots touches every inch of the globe. In the complete absence of nutrients in the soil to survive, Tara uses her xylem to draw dead people’s stories from dead bodies tangled up in her roots, in order to thrive. She becomes a master storyteller that draws listeners from far and wide, including Ubirajara - the snake - that travels many time zones to meet her. The opera unfolds at three levels of storytelling, where the creators of the work and the orchestra stand as part of the visual canvas they are creating, while being committed story-listeners of Tara.  
 
Story | Music | Vocals: Ritika Ganguly
Art Direction: Roshan Ganu
Libretto | Guitar | Music: Shinjan Sengupta
Cello: Benjamin Osterhouse
Percussion: Matt Barber
Stage Direction: Emily Bishai