Truman & Nancy

William Zeffiro’s World Premiere opera based on the graphic novel by Ande Parks - “Capote in Kansas”

“YOU MUST WRITE ABOUT US , SO OTHERS KNOW ABOUT US WHEN WE ARE GONE.”

FLAMBOYANT NEW YORK AUTHOR, TRUMAN CAPOTE, VENTURES TO KANSAS TO INVESTIGATE, AND WRITE A NOVEL ABOUT THE HORRIFIC MASSACRE OF THE CLUTTER FAMILY TO GAIN FAME. THE RESULTING NOVEL IS THE BEST-SELLING “IN COLD BLOOD,” BUT THIS OPERA EXPLORES THE FICTIONALIZED ACCOUNT OF WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF CAPOTE HAD ENCOUNTERED THE SPIRIT OF THE YOUNG NANCY CLUTTER.

This one-act opera, with just two characters (Truman and Nancy) explores the concept and cost of celebrity, as well as probing the nature of what a self-designated eulogy. What do we want people to remember about us when we go? How do situations and experience change out life’s trajectory?

Truman, after experiencing his encounter with Nancy, is changed, and we all will be as well.

An evening in three parts, with 1) a lecture about Truman Capote and his biography, specifically the impact of the Clutter family murder given by a notable writer. 2) introduction to the graphic novel genre, and the creation of "Capote in Kansas" by Ande Parks himself (Artwork by Chris Samnee). 3) The world premiere of the chamber opera by William Zeffiro, "Truman and Nancy," accompanied by members of the New England Repertory Orchestra, and conducted by Cailin Marcel Manson.