Devising an Opera: Myisi
In this article I examine the ways in which devised theatre practices affected the score, libretto, characterisation, and production of my opera Myisi. I chart the four main devising phases of the opera within the context of established theatre practices, and evaluate the collaborative working model at each stage of development. I place this case study in the context of my past collaborative projects: Reminiscence (Jackson's Lane, 2008) Fragments of Sun (Tete a Tete Opera Festival 2012) and a work I am currently developing, Rituals to Mould Her With (London premier scheduled at Kings Place, 2017) I conclude that employment of a devising process engendered a fragmented structure, an inverted round stage set up, the need for visual digital media, a libretto in which no two characters engage in dialogue and a score consisting of sung and instrumental music that is directly related to the artists involved in the devising group. In my analysis of the devising processes, I conclude that there are no fixed rules. The approach is and should be adaptable to suit the nature of the project concerned and particular group of people generating the work.