New York University’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions in the Steinhardt School will present the first ever performance of ODIN, the opera, from April 14-16. ODIN will feature words and music by Donald Knaack, and ten amplified percussionists performing exclusively on over 250 pieces of junk and recycled materials. Knaack refashioned items including metal lamp shades, saw blades, frying pans, cardboard boxes, and a barbecue grill cover into instruments to produce different timbres of music.
ODIN will be performed in concert version at NYU’s Frederick Loewe Theatre, 35 West 4th Street. Tickets are $20 general admission and $10 with valid NYU ID. Performance times for ODIN are: April 14 at 8 p.m.; April 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and April 16 at 3 p.m. For reservations call the Steinhardt Box Office at 212.998.5281.
ODIN is a full-length spoken word opera based on the Nordic Myth “Odin,” the Viking God of War - the most feared and ruthless warrior the world had ever known. Odin was also the Viking god of knowledge who, according to Nordic lore, invented the alphabet and poetry. ODIN explores the dichotomy of Odin’s internal struggles between being the gods of war and knowledge. As the god of knowledge, he had given birth to the concept of civility in an age of brutality. Knowing the pen is mightier than the sword, the world’s most brutal and feared warrior knew that the spread of knowledge and civility into his world would ultimately defeat him.
NYU’s production of ODIN will be directed by John Simpkins, with musical direction by Jonathan Haas, conducting the New York University Percussion Ensemble. It will be overseen by composer Donald Knaack. The cast and musicians will feature undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
Reporters interested in attending ODIN should contact Elise Hanley, Associate Director of Production, at 212.998.5069 or elise.hanley@nyu.edu.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Founded in 1890 as the School of Pedagogy, NYU Steinhardt was the first school of its kind in the United States. Today, NYU Steinhardt advances knowledge, creativity, and innovation at the crucial crossroads of human learning, culture, development, and well-being. Through rigorous research and education, the school’s faculty and students evaluate and redefine processes, practices, and policies in their respective fields and lead in an ever-changing world. For more information, go to steinhardt.nyu.edu.