Women’s History Month GRAND FINALE: Celebrating Women In The Arts – It Ain’t Over Till The Phat Ladies Sing
by Karen Tortora-Lee on April 2, 2011
On the last day of March Women’s History Month came to a close but today we have one final curtain call – with two amazing women from the world of opera: Brooke Bryant and Minou Arjomand.
Yes, March is officially over. But, like I said in the title, it’s over when *I* say it’s over … and I say it’s over when the Phat Ladies sing. (Yeah, yeah. I know. No one really uses “Phat” any more. But in this case it was really funny).
I’m fortunate that, in my business (the business of show) I don’t just interact, experience and enjoy a variety of talented people from a range of genres, but my virtual cup runneth over within each of those categories. Take opera for instance. I’ve mentioned often enough that I’ve been a dedicated devotee since my early childhood but I’m thrilled that now, in my role as editor and founder of The Happiest Medium I have been able to truly know so many talent people.
Earlier in this series I showcased Brett Umlauf who is one third of the amazing trio Charites. Today, soprano Brooke Bryant tells us more about this all female group; specifically what their challenges are and who inspires them.
Earlier Brett also mentioned a recent production of Morningside Opera’s Handel pastiche ATRA: Ossia, L’amore Ricordato which was cast “as a lesbian love triangle, the powerful castrato role being sung by a woman and *played* as a woman, i.e., not dressed in pants and a painted on moustache. The director, Minou Arjomand, will be telling you more about that process hopefully very soon.” Well, we’re grateful that “very soon” is now … Minou will be speaking with us from a director’s perspective about how she is reinventing the stereotypical “bland” women’s roles.
And now, for our grand finale – take it away, ladies! Continue Reading…
