Bayt Lahm to Debut in Guelph

From Arts in Guelph - November/December, 2004

The Feast of the Innocents may not be a term that is part of everyone's lexicon, but it may become better known in Guelph following the December debut of Elora composer Peter Skoggard's dramatic oratorio Bayt Lahm.

The performance will be at Co-operator's Hall at River Run Centre on the Feast of the Innocents, December 28, 2004. This is the date when the Christian Church traditionally commemorates the slaying of the children in Bethlehem, under the orders of King Herod, to rid the threat of the prophesied king who was the baby Jesus.

The idea of Bayt Lahm, which is the Arabic name for Bethlehem, is to give voice to those, who, over the centuries, witness the killing of people due to apparent exigencies in the political arena. The hope is to reject that arena and affirm those voices by creating cross cultural links and removing barriers that create such terms as "the enemy" or "the other." The setting for the piece is the Palestinian-Israeli theatre, specifically Bethlehem, where, ironically, Christianity was born.

One character is inspired by Nurit Peled El'halan, a Jewish Israeli woman whose thirteen-year-old daughter was killed by a Palestinian suicide bomber. Her words come from an article she wrote for the Jerusalem Post, and demonstrate an unwavering political stance for an end to war. Another character is a twelfth-century French representation based on Biblical references to Rachel and her lament. A book, The Poetry of Arab Women, is a further source, bringing the voices of eight Palestinian, Iraqi, and Lebanese poets who are central and essential voices to the drama.

Two final characters are the Papal Envoy from the Vatican, and the Governor, each representing men who walk in the corridors of power, but are, in and of themselves, powerless. They must represent others' positions and consider so-called diplomatic consequences which limit words and actions. The words of these last two are taken from the poetry of W.H. Auden and R.A.D. Ford who was Canadian Ambassador to Russia from 1965-1980. His poem will open the entire piece.

The music is scored for four soprano soloists, one alto, one tenor, one bass, a small choir, and oboe, clarinet, banjo, accordion, cello, and drums. There are also three pieces that will be sung by children soloists from Guelph Youth Singers. Many of the other performers are also from Guelph and area, or have Guelph connections. There will also be a Palestinian dancer from Toronto who will choreograph and dance to the final clarinet solo of one of the pieces. Well-known Canadian producer / impresario John Cripton is assembling a stage set that will involve the projection of images inspired by the words and music.

As a composer, Peter Skoggard is no stranger to the Guelph/Elora scene. His Moon over Eguchi and The Bird of Perception were both presented as part of past Guelph Spring Festival seasons, and his settings of Blake Choral Songs are among many of his compositions performed over the years during the Elora Festival.

Bayt Lahm, which is being presented with the collaborative support of Guelph Arts Council, is certain to be another important addition to Skoggard's impressive output.

For tickets, contact the River Run Centre Box Office at (519) 763-3000 or visit www.riverrun.guelph.on.ca.