After the performances we will have a panel discussion with local professionals about the themes of mental health, community, and emotional well-being.

Synopsis of So You May Breathe In Light

So You May Breathe In Light follows the story of an ‘Explorer’ (baritone), as he is guided by a ‘Healer’ (mezzo-soprano) through the dreamlike world of his own imagination. The Explorer’s journey allows him to acknowledge his long-held shame, and discover a new way of relating to the world.
The opera begins with the Healer's calming voice, as she opens the Explorer's mind so he may enter into his inner world. Once inside, the Explorer finds himself enveloped by a turbulent vortex of lights. The Healer explains to him that these lights are a visual manifestation of his mind – each light represents a thought. Witnessing this symbol of his rational mind allows him to bring awareness to his recurring thought patterns. He discovers that he has never forgiven himself for a memory he holds – a memory of hurting someone. Rooted in this memory, the Explorer has developed an underlying belief that he is fundamentally harmful, that by existing, he causes others pain. Knowing that there is more to the story, the Healer encourages him to to meet his Shadow, the darkest part of himself, the part of himself he has chosen not to see. The Explorer continues deeper into his imagination and is suddenly transported to a dungeon. He begins to panic, assuming his Shadow is his cruelty coming to attack him. To his surprise, the Shadow reveals herself not as a harmful being, but as a sickly, withered prisoner. She is the embodiment of his Loving Self (soprano), who he has neglected. In his attempt to protect the world from the harm he believes he causes, he has starved himself of love and connection. Supported by a new perspective, he can begin healing.

A note from the composer

In writing So You May Breathe In Light, I was inspired by Carl Jung's concepts of Active Imagination and Shadow Work.

The story is set inside an active imagination session. The protagonist, known as the Explorer, journeys through vivid inner landscapes to uncover the secrets of his unconscious mind. Inside his inner world, the Explorer meets one of his Shadows. The Shadow is a part of himself that he has unconsciously repressed, to protect his conscious self-image. In recognizing and embracing his Shadow, he finds compassion for the parts of himself he once rejected, emerging from the session with a deeper sense of wholeness and humanity.

The story is, in many ways, autobiographical. Jung's ideas have been transformational for my own mental wellbeing. From my first experience with Active Imagination, I sensed the sessions had some potential for musical expression. The images that surfaced in my imagination were rich with revelatory emotion and mystical symbolism - perfect material for musical depiction.

-Theo Chandler