L'enfant Prodigue

Performed as part of the Claude Debussy International Congress. L’enfant Prodigue is based on the parable of the prodigal son found in the Gospel According to Saint Matthew of the New Testament. L’enfant Prodigue deals less with the relationship of a father to his two sons and more with the relationship of a mother to her son and a father’s journey to forgiveness. In a village on the Lake of Genesareth, the sound of merriment is heard in the distance. Lia, a mother in the village, has left the gay scene to seek a quiet spot where she may weep undisturbed. She still mourns the loss of her most loved child, Azaël, who left his home long ago to indulge in wild excesses and extravagant pleasures, and is now an outcast wanderer. She constantly prays for his return, and has already forgiven him for his wrongdoing. As she weeps alone, her husband, Siméon, appears, bids her forget her grief. As the two depart, Azaël himself emerges and gazes upon the scene of his happy childhood with a breaking heart. He is clad in rags an outcast, indeed worn out and utterly exhausted with suffering and weary wanderings; and, after giving vent to a passionate outburst, in which he blames himself for his folly and sin, and longs for the love of his parents and the peace of his home once more, he falls to the ground unconscious, unable to bear such sad thoughts. Lia returns, having escaped again from the celebration. Seeing the prostrate figure, she approaches, full of compassion for one who is an outcast like her own child. Realizing the stranger is in fact her beloved Azaël, she is full of joy at his return. Her joy is changed to despair, however, as she believes him to be dead. but Azaël presently recovers, and is filled with happiness at the loving greeting of his mother. Siméon returns and Lia exclaims that their son has returned. Siméon hesitates, as his repentant child kneels at his feet and asks forgiveness; but he is not long able to resist the promptings of his paternal heart nor the appeals of the eager Lia, as he takes the prodigal in his arms with great joy. The three then sing “Glory to you, Lord”.

Cast   Nicole Taylor as Lia Gerardo Ramos as Azaël Yoon-Sang Lee as Siméon

Director Robert DeSimone Conductor David Neely Scenic Design Christopher McCollum Light Design John Ore Costume Design Michaele Hite