Thomson Opera The Mother of Us All
Plot Synopsis, Character Description of English Historical Drama
Nov 14, 2008
The Mother of Us All is a two-act English historical opera composed by Virgil Thomson (November 25, 1896 – September 30, 1989. Libretto is by Gertrude Stein, with scenario by Maurice Grosser based on historical events. It was premiered in New York City, Brander Matthews Hall, Columbia University, May 7, 1947. Setting is in America in the 19th century.
The story revolves around the life of Susan B. Anthony, one of the major figures in the fight for women's suffrage in the United States. Composer Thomson uses various characters in the political scene, both fictional and non-fictional, and from different periods of American history.
Gertrude Stein’s text for The Mother of Us All does not include detailed descriptions of staging. Thomson’s friend, Maurice Grosser, created a scenario to facilitate the staging of the opera.
Characters / Roles
- Susan B. Anthony, major figure of U.S. Women's Suffrage (dramatic soprano)
- Anne, S. Anthony's devoted companion (contralto)
- Daniel Webster (bass)
- John Adams, according to the score, "presumably is John Quincy Adams" (romantic tenor)
- Constance Fletcher (high mezzo)
- Jenny Reefer (mezzo)
- Herman Atlan (high baritone)
- Jo the Loiterer (tenor)
- Ulysses S. Grant, General (bass baritone)
- Chris the Citizen (baritone)
- Indiana Elliot (contralto)
- Indiana Elliot's brother (bass baritone)
- Thaddeus Stevens (tenor)
- Andrew Johnson (tenor)
- Gertrude S. (soprano) and Virgil T. (baritone) are narrators
- Angel More (light lyric soprano)
- Anthony Comstock (bass)
- Isabel Wentworth (mezzo)
- Anna Hope (contralto)
- Lillian Russell (lyric soprano)
Most of these characters are politicians at the time of Susan B. Anthony's fight for women's suffrage.
Synopsis of 'Mother of Us All'
Act I
Scene 1. A Room in the House of Susan B. Anthony
Susan B. Anthony and her companion, Anne, discuss how gullible men are.
Scene 2. A Political Rally
Susan B. Anthony debates Daniel Webster on the issue of political rights for women.
Scene 3 -5. A Village Green Adjoining the House of Susan B. Anthony
Andrew Johnson and Thaddeus Stevens argue. Constance Fletcher is wooed by John Adams. Everyone seems to be in an animated talk. Jenny Reefer begins waltzing with Herman Atlan, and the others join in the dance.
Susan ponders if her support of suffrage from the black men will win them the cause of women's suffrage. Jo asks Susan about the nature of poverty and her marrying Jo the Loiterer.
Susan tells her fellow suffragettes that there is nothing wrong with the marriage and it means something to women. Indiana Elliot's brother objects to the marriage so Indiana renounces his brother. The wedding proceeds. Meantime, some events unfold. General Grant calls for order. Daniel blesses the newly wed couple, while Susan precludes that men and women, and all their children, will have the vote.
Scenes 1-2. The Drawing Room of Susan B. Anthony
Anne and Jenny Reefer tell Susan that she has been asked to speak at a political meeting. Susan is upset and bitter that suffrage laws are not passed.
Fear of the suffragette movement has caused the male politicians to insert the word "male" in a constitutional amendment. Lillian Russell becomes a suffragette. Indiana Elliot, who has gotten married to Jo, decides to change her surname, and he, to hers.
Scene 3. At the Congressional Hall (Epilogue, Some years later)
The women win the right to vote. A statue of Susan B. Anthony is to be unveiled at the U.S. Capitol. Anne is the guest of honor. Anthony enters as a ghost. Other characters talk about women suffrage. Virgil T. unveils the statue.
Other Opera by Virgil Thomson:
Source:
Martin, Nicholas Ivor. The Da Capo Opera Manual. New York: Da Capo Press, 1997.
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