Susan Stoderl
Writer / Composer
Susan Stoderl
Susan
The Veil of Forgetfulness
(Words and Libretto by Susan Stoderl)
Several of the characters in The Veil of Forgetfulness have been inspired by the lais of the historical Marie de France (ca. 1136/7-1216). The stories have been altered to fit this story. The exact identity of the historical Marie de France is unknown. The character of Abbess Marie is inspired by one of the lesser-favored theories of her actual identity. The real Abbess Mary lived until 1216 and became Abbess in 1189.
SHORT SYNOPSIS: Set in Shaftesbury Abbey, 1199 C.E., The Veil of Forgetfulness tells of the struggle of Abbess Marie and her band of spiritual renegades against the stranglehold of the codified Medieval Church, as personified by the dogmatic Sister Regina. These “Keepers” of the Veil of Forgetfulness must find and initiate their seventh member before they are denounced as heretics. When the mystical group reaches seven members, and a new First Keeper is found, the Keepers will ascend to eternal bliss, completely enlightened and freed from further incarnations. If all seven members cannot be initiated before their death, or if the Veil falls into evil hands, the cloth returns to its original tiny square and the process begins again, trapping the Keepers in a wretched cycle of reincarnation.
To see the pictures in a larger size, just click on them. For video samples, see The Veil of Forgetfulness 2 gallery.
- Hymn to the Veil
It is the hour of Prime. Each sister enters one by one, humming to themselves as they prepare for the day. They sing the "Hymn to the Veil" as they prepare for the Christian Mass to follow.
- Regina: Do not dismiss... Abbess Marie: Few know the truths
Following Dymphas outburst in the refrectory, Regina cautions the Abbess and her followers to be careful, for they will be exposed. As Regina listens outside her door, Abbess Marie sings of her own doubts and fears.
- Act II: Dympha's aria
As the Third Keeper, Sister Dympha sings of how she was locked away and eventually driven mad by her former husband.
- Joan's Aria
In the final aria of the opera, Joan Plantagenet, soon to become the Seventh Keeper, sings of her new mission as the Seventh Keeper.
Susan Stoderl
Susan
