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All in the Mind
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2004
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What will life be like several millennia form now? Not on Planet Earth, of course, but on The White Moon, a planet with two suns, where it is always day and never night. Technological progress has leapt forward in the space of a few years - will this pace of discovery be kept up? Can scientific knowledge show us the truth?
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Commissioned by W11 Opera and performed at the Britten Theatre, London in December 2004
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Instrumental ensemble: piano, 2 synthesisers, clarinet(s), percussion
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View
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Music
Libretto
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Synopsis
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All in the Mind is a cautionary tale in which our past, present and future is all mixed up. It takes its cue from the legend of Doctor Faustus - and several contemporary issues.
The action is set in the future on a planet called The White Moon where a company called Clever Clones makes human beings to order; it has also made an artificial Brain capable of great thoughts. When the company runs into trouble, the Emperor, Mighty Rich, and his Ministers produce computer files of thoughts, memories and dreams saved by people long ago, which the company's Scientists implant into new clones. By this means, some Earthlings from an earlier age - our own, perhaps - are reincarnated. Amidst general rejoicing at having created eternal life, the company's fortunes soar, but the Brain, who has been consulted from time to time, suggests the Scientists must go on a mission through space and time to discover the nature of right and wrong
Having run the gauntlet of some curious Bouncers, the Earthlings encounter the Emperor again at a party in the Black Hole where Nic Night, a prisoner, sings about imminent oblivion. The Earthlings fondly remember their previous life on Earth but, when they express a desire to return there, find they are trapped. The Emperor reveals his intention to take their souls into the next world and summons up the forces of infinite gravity to finish them off. When the Scientists enter, they find the Earthlings have perished and everyone else has vanished except for Nic Night whom they release and lead away.
Back on the Moon, the Earthlings awake from what they think has been a terrible nightmare; the Emperor arrives to take charge and a battle of wits ensues. Suddenly the Scientists appear with Nic Night: it turns out he is the rightful king of the Moon who was deposed long ago and sent into exile. So was the Black Hole real? Or have dreams invaded the conscious world?
Nic suggests the people should decide who will be their leader - under him life will be more fun, but less certain. In the face of threats from the Emperor, the people reject this idea, but when the Earthlings depart for home - and mortality - the people choose Nic. The Brain, who by now has worked out the difference between good and evil, laments its inability to join the human race; it will continue to do the thinking - while, under their singing King, the rest can make music.
However, with the passing of time the Brain becomes obsolete, and is consigned to the Museum of Ancient Science...
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Characters
The Brain
Dr Neuron, Chief Scientist
Mighty Rich, Emperor (Empress) of The White Moon
Ancient Earthlings
Nic Night
Bouncers
Celestial Voice (off-stage)
Employees of Clever Clones: Scientists, Telepathists, Bureaucrats & Engineers
The Court: Ministers, Courtiers & Guards
In the Black Hole: Waitresses & Partygoers
Clones
Press Corps
The action takes place far in the future.
Prologue: The Museum of Ancient Science
Scene One: The Laboratory of Clever Clones
Interlude: A Wasteland
Scene Two: The Black Hole
Scene Three: The Laboratory of Clever Clones
Epilogue: The Museum of Ancient Science
All in the Mind was written for a large cast of 10 to 18 year olds; the approximate numbers envisaged at the time of composition were Earthlings 6, Ministers/Waitresses 8, Scientists 12, Telepathists 12, Bureaucrats 4, Engineers 12, Clones/ Press 6, Courtiers 14, Guards 14. With the exception of the 4 Bouncers, all the parts were intended to be taken by unbroken or female voices; although the treble clef is used throughout, the casting may be adapted to suit particular circumstances and it is left to the Directors' discretion as to whether parts are played as male or female characters. All the cast appear in Scene Two.
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