Colwell Playhouse, December 6th, 2019
Composed by Paola Prestini
Libretto by Brenda Shaughnessy
Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and Atlanta Opera
Dr. Julie Jordan Gunn, conductor

Sensorium Ex is a new opera in progress, commissioned by the Atlanta Opera and Beth Morrison Projects for composer Paola Prestini and librettist Brenda Shaughnessy. The full-length piece is in the research/development/writing stage and is slated to premiere in 2021. Prestini and Shaughnessy are immersed in a deep exploration of the question- to be answered in music, words, storytelling, drama- of what it means to be fully and essentially human, connected and thriving in a web of communities both domestic and scientific. The inquiry and storyline of the opera is currently finding shape, arc, and vitality at the dynamic intersections of disability studies, neuroscience, computer-science, robotics, AI, and machine-learning technology. Sensorium Ex is developed and produced by Atlanta Opera and Beth Morrison Projects in association with Arizona State University, EnactLab, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Lyric Theatre @ Illinois.

Sensorium Ex: 
[sen.so.ri.um] noun. Latin.

1. the parts of the brain or the mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli; broadly: the entire sensory apparatus.

2. Constantly changing realm of the senses

Press Coverage

Smile Politely
See Lyric Theatre workshop a unique opera on Friday

​Illinois News Bureau
​Opera addressing questions of disability, technology being developed with Lyric Theatre's help

Cast
MEM- Kara Taft
SOPHIA- Olivia Doig
KIT- Michael McAndrew
CORP- Geoffrey Schmelzer
NILES- Scott Cuva
MYCELIA- Michaela Wright
CHORUS- Aaron Ames, Jamille Brewster, Elizabeth Frodge, Thereza Lituma, Cadis Ying-Jie Lee, Craig Moman, Theo Mynka, Katherine Stenzel, Xiaoyi Zha

Production Team
CONDUCTOR- Julie Gunn
PIANO- Michael Tilley
CELLO- Gabriel Pellino
SOUND DESIGN- TJ Sapp
STAGE MANAGER- Shea Hittman
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS- Mary Kate Baughman, Duncan McMillan
COMPANY MANAGER- Maria Miguens
LYRIC THEATRE ASSISTANT- Lauren Falk

With special thanks to Krannert Center Performing Arts Lab, Amy Armstrong, Lynne Thomas, eDream, School of Music Experimental Music Studios