"The Priestess of Morphine" World Premiere in Chicago's International Museum of Surgical Sciences

The International Museum of Surgical Science presents the newest work from composer Rosśa Crean and librettist Aiden Kim Feltkamp. “The Priestess of Morphine” informs and pays tribute to Jewish lesbian erotic writer Marie-Madeleine, whose works the Nazis attempted to destroy during World War II. Much of her work was seen as “contrary to societal standards on morality,” including Sapphic themes and odes to her dependence on morphine. Tickets can be bought HERE!

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE:

Marie-Madeleine was a German Jew, lesbian poet and novelist whose eroticism and love for morphine was revealed in many of her shocking, sensational, and bestselling books of the early twentieth century. Born Gertrud Günther, and starting at age 15 she wrote over 46 books until 1932 when Nazis condemned her work as degenerate. In 1943 she entered a sanatorium for morphine addiction where she died a mysterious death while under the care of Nazis doctors.

Librettist Aiden K. Feltkamp and Composer Rosśa Crean tell Marie-Madeliene's story through musical and forensic means, bringing an honest and unconventional look at this indomitable woman's life and art.

June 28th at 7:00 pm 

June 29th at 7:00 pm 

June 30th at 5:00 pm 

Performances are 40 minutues long. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

 

PERFORMERS

Katherine Bruton, Marie-Madeleine/Jessie Lyons, Gertrud Günther/Chuck Evans, violin/Stephen Hudson, cello/Ben Zucker, vibraphone

Conducted by Rosśa Crean

Tickets can be bought HERE!

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