“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel

“Quamino’s Map” Is Bound To The Right Things

By Sydney Milligan & Anna Hessel

 

“Quamino’s Map” by Chicago Opera Theater is extremely well done.  The voices are strong and powerful, especially that of the soprano chorus, and tenor Juba Freeman, whose vocal prowess and flexibility are astounding.  There is also a striking violin solo.  The set, although simplistic, is stunning, with clean, efficient lines, and an innovative wall which transforms into a proper ship.

The lighting is done exceptionally, with only certain windows backlit in perfect juxtaposition of the building facades.  The cartographer’s shop is warmly lit, complementing golden hues in the costuming.  When the lights become completely illuminated on the appropriate stage section, it is demonstrative of sunlight pouring through the shop, with the figurative sun rising in the east and setting in the west.  The lighting design shifts to red and orange sunset hues when talking about the fire in Juba’s fingers as he plays his fiddle.

The costumes are colorful and period appropriate, invoking the essence of 18th century England in the wake of the Revolutionary War.  The pretty pastels in the women’s petticoats and frocks, as well as the men’s suits, were quite fitting for a post Easter/Passover season production.  Scenes which occur in the London underbelly show high fashion corsets and coats in much richer and bolder jewel tones.

The actors utilize the space on the stage intelligently, especially during the set transformation of the huge red velvet curtain being dropped, allowing the audience into a noble period home, complete with a luxurious rouge couch and striking portraits of black British aristocracy.  This show also has many interesting entrances and exits from the docks and gangway, which compels the essence of never truly leaving the ship which this play is centered around.

In addition to the comedic moments, there are many poignantly stirring scenes, such as the character of Juba receiving a new shirt from the Church of St. George, a baptism “which is the first step toward being free”, an 1700’s era gala, Juba’s freedom from jail, a wedding, and even the curtain call, where the entire cast, crew, and creative team bowed together.  The curtain did not close after and the audience was able to witness the entire staff mingling.  There are very memorable lines that stick with the audience long after this opera is over, one of which is the profound quote, “Your name becomes you, you become your name.”

Another momentous speech is “Everyone is bound to something, the trick is to make sure you get bound to the right thing.”  “Quamino’s Map” certainly is bound to the right things.  For more information on Chicago Opera Theater, please see their website at www.chicagooperatheater.org

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