Royal Opera House: Opera 'YES' with music by Errollyn Wallen is based on experiences of Bonnie Greer, librettist

[Bonnie Greer (Photo Credit: Sergio Mims); Bonnie Greer and Errollyn Wallen on “YES” page at website of Royal Opera House]

On Aug. 16, 2011 AfriClassical posted an announcement by Errollyn Wallen that the opera YES would be performed at the Royal Opera House in November 2011 “with a libretto by Bonnie Greer.”

Sergio Mims recently met with Bonnie Greer in London. He sends links and a photo:

Royal Opera House

In 2009 the writer and cultural commentator Bonnie Greer was invited to appear on the BBC’s flagship political discussion programme Question Time alongside the leader of a right-wing nationalist political party. The BBC’s decision to transmit the programme, and Bonnie Greer’s decision to appear in it, provoked a storm of discussion. Bonnie has written the libretto for this brand-new 'docu-opera' by award-winning composer Errollyn Wallen, which is made from Bonnie’s own experiences and from the many public and private responses to the situation. An ensemble of six musicians, including an electronic soundscape with the recorded voice of Errollyn Wallen, will accompany a cast of eight singers, and Bonnie herself, to play out the emotional and political turmoil of a wide range of individual British citizens, each with their own personal and cultural perspective.”

This article is from the official website of BBC Music Magazine:

http://www.classical-music.com/news/royal-opera-house-bonnie-greer-yes

Here is the website of the composer:

http://www.errollynwallen.com

Sergio Mims concludes:

“I should also add that Greer is an American originally from Chicago who's been living in London for the last 25 years. I've also attached a picture of Bonnie that I took of her when I met her in London two weeks ago

Sergio”