An Exercise...

Can we detect intention?

First, some exciting news. We have dates for the premier of the Lincoln in the Bardo opera, composed by Missy Mazzoli, with libretto by Royce Vavrek. The opera will be at the Los Angeles Opera on February 26, 2026, and then at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on October 23, 2026.

Before that, there’ll be a workshop presentation of the opera at the Chautauqua Institute, in July 11, 2025. Missy and Royce will be there, and I’ll be doing a public talk as well.

Thanks for all of the excellent work on Boule de Suif.  Just the fact that it could engender so much heartful discussion is a tribute to its power. 

Sometimes that’s a helpful thought for me as I’m working: try to throw off some sparks.  We’re not, in our writing, trying to please or placate anyone or “get it just right” but trying to, let’s say, throw the reader into a state.  Which state?  Well, maybe it doesn’t matter.  To disrupt, disturb, re-channel, startle, delight are all different ways of saying the same thing. 

And, of course, it’s harder than it sounds.

This week I find myself thinking about intention in art – by which I mean the question of “How does one proceed?” 

I thought we might do a little experiment.

Let me just give you the “assignment” and I’ll discuss it after.