Left on read: Comedy opera '#trialbytext' explores the intersection of technology, social media and people

In the age of social media and technology, FUSION’s latest show by Gonzo Opera — “#trialbytext” — asks audience members to question their reliance on social media and modern technology while pondering on the impacts technology has on the psyche.

Set in the style of a courtroom drama, “#trialbytext” follows the story of a daughter — known to the audience only as the Plaintiff — suing her mother for bad parenting after enduring years of negligence. The comedic opera runs from Friday, Jan. 31, through Sunday, Feb. 2, at FUSION | The Cell.

“All she (the mother) did was give her (the daughter) a tablet and all she knows about the world is through the tablet and social media,” said Daniel Steven Crafts, Emmy award-winning composer. “It’s about the craziness of social media and all the things that go on there.”

Crafts was inspired by librettist Janice Leber, who has collaborated with Crafts on half a dozen operas.

“I thought it was a really funny and something you’d never expect to see in a traditional opera,” he said. “So much opera is so serious and about kings and queens and all of that stuff, but this is about wild and crazy characters who are ordinary people.”

Being able to explore the realm of comedic opera gave Crafts the chance to have creative liberties and push the boundaries on what the genre is.

“There are no comedic operas of any significance in the 20th century,” he said. “I had a completely open field as to the relationship in contemporary times between music and comedy, so I was really reinventing the form in a very significant way.”

In just one act lasting roughly one hour, audience members will watch the trial unfold in a courtroom scene. Though singers have been booked for months, they put the entire show together in roughly a week and a half. The show is comprised of a small group of sopranos and a baritone, along with clarinet and keyboard.

The show is part of a series of Gonzo Opera shows, with the first one — “Too Much Coffee Man” debuting in Portland, Oregon. The show was done in 70 different venues and “may be the most produced 21st century opera,” according to Crafts.

“People were just bouncing off the walls with laughter,” he said. “It took everybody by surprise, and that showed me that we’re really onto something here. Fortunately, I found people who can write good comedy and that’s not an easy thing to do, so I’m very lucky to have found these people.”

When the cast got together to begin rehearsing, they were amused and excited to present the show to audience members.

“The performers love it because they’re getting laughs like stand-up comedians and audiences just have a great time,” Crafts said. “Comedy is a lot of fun.”

Though there is something for everyone, the show is aimed towards younger audience members who have a better understanding of social media.

“If you’re uncertain of what you’re going to get, I can assure you it’s a comedy where you’ll laugh and have a really good time,” Crafts said.