After inspiring three major films and even a graphic novel, Steve Jobs's life continues to evoke interpretation and reinterpretation, this time in an upcoming production of the Santa Fe Opera titled "The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs."
The company announced on Wednesday that it would adapt the tumultuous and multi-layered life of the late Apple CEO and co-founder for the big stage. The goal is to create a "buzzing creative realm of Silicon Valley with a kinetic electro-acoustic score, lush vocal writing, a compelling non-linear narrative, and a production as innovative as the man himself," writes the Santa Fe Opera in a news release.
The show will be put up under the guidance of stage director Kevin Newbury and feature new music from composer Mason Bates and libretto writer Mark Campbell. This will be the first time a reimagining of Jobs's life will be colored with music.
"Jobs' story was attractive because it has a lot of possibilities for new sounds in an opera house," Bates tells the Los Angeles Times. "There's this need to have some kind of electronic element because the subject is about the man who changed the world of technology. But there are things you can also do for acoustic instrument[s] like an acoustic guitar — the perpetual motion of strings picking is a good way to conjure his personality."
Charles McKay, the general director of the Santa Fe Opera, has also clarified that he has been in touch with Jobs's widow, Laurene Jobs, and has emphasized the respectful and communicative nature of their correspondence.
The official performance is scheduled for its world premier in 2017 in the U.S. and Canada during the company's 61st season. Both the composer and librettist are looking to begin worshipping their material in September 2015, in collaboration with Cal Performances at UC Berekeley and with additional support from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
