Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction
Bruce J. Taub
About this work:
Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction or the Fatal Gazogene is "A Brief Tragedy for Barns and Booths" written in 1905 by George Bernard Shaw and first presented in "The Theatre Royal" (a "tent booth" theatre) at the Theatrical Garden Party, Regent's Park, London in aid of the Actors' Orphanage Fund. An attempt on the life of Lady Magnesia Fitztollemache is thwarted by a providential sneeze and she recognizes the would-be muderer as her husband, George. Adolphus (her lover) enters and George poisons him with soda water from the gazogene. Magnesia manages to convince her husband to reveal the antidote, however, which is lime (not the fruit, but calcium oxide). They cram pieces of plaster from the ceiling into Adolphus which make him half crazy and thirsty for the remaining soda water which then causes him to effervesce. After a great commotion involving the landlord, a policeman and finally a doctor, a thunderbolt enters the room killing all three. The maid sweeps them up and retires for the night. Lady Magnesia and George then prop up Adolphus who has now completely petrified while angels sing "Bill Bailey" and the "living statue" raises his hands towards heaven. This chamber opera was written with the support of the National Endowment of the Arts and performed by the Composers Ensemble at Carnegie Recital Hall. It is published by C.F. Peters Corporation.
Year composed: 1975
Duration: 00:35:00
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Chamber Opera, Two or More Singers
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Violin, 1 Cello, 1 Guitar (Classical/Acoustic), ,1 Soprano soloist(s), ,1 Tenor soloist(s), ,1 Bass soloist(s)
Instrumentation notes: Amplified Guitar; also requires 4 Actors