To know true power you can neither worship nor rule another
The Diva character, Ara is the central figure who changes into the Beggar for which the
piece is named. She undergoes a personal crisis of her persona as a superstar actress.
The dramatic change is prompted by the realization of her puppet-like role in a fickle
celebrity world.
Her role is danced.
The Bird is a mythological creature who exists in the mind of the Ara. Yet she is a real
persona, a goddess who slips into the form of a bird to remind Ara of her inner truth and
deeper values. She becomes Ara's muse and activates a longing for a more enriched life
beyond the riches of her stardom.
Her role is sung.
The Shadow is her alter-ego who represents the inhibiting elements of herself. He
attempts to keep her bound to her secure and establshed life as a diva. Onstage he
shows no persona and his face is hidden-masked, he is not another character from Ara.
His role is danced, his voice is also used to harmonize with and counter tone the bird.
© amber gabrielle 2008