Dead Man Walking: Walking With Joseph De Rocher and Sister Helen

One of the great things about opera is that the same work can be produced in many places at the same time. There happens to be a production of Dead Man Walking being produced by Opera Parallèle just a couple weeks before our production in Dayton. One of the events leading up to the production in San Francisco featured the author of the book that the movie and opera was based on, Sister Helen Prejean. It would be another great way to get into the piece and learn about the people involved in it. I left for the evening thinking I'd be going to temple, with a room of a hundred or so die-hard new opera people. I was eager to hear Frederica von Stade, Kristen Clayton, Nicolle Folland, and Cathy Cook sing with Jake Heggie at the piano, and get the chance to hear some of Sister Helen's story in-person. I figured it would be a low-key opera preview event with a crowd of mostly familiar people. The reality was somewhat different. I arrived at the location, in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood - surrounded by multi-million dollar mansions - to a security detail that was nearly as intense as what I go through when I check into a flight at SFO. Suddenly I was hit with the reality that I was about to participate in an event that is truly politically charged, where there's the possibility of things going very wrong if certain people gained access.  

I got my clearance sticker, proceeded through the metal detectors – twice, and found my way to the main sanctuary where there were about a thousand people already seated. Not a low-key event at all. Good! People are interested. People are involved... The program begins, Flicka sings with Jake, we are off to a beautiful start. We hear from a former prison warden, an attorney, and Sister Helen about how the death penalty affects us all, costs the system and tax dollars, and is ultimately not an effective punishment. I heard stories of inmates, families of inmates and victims, and the personal viewpoints of these three people who have had so much experience with "the system". It was a startling dose of reality. The average citizen doesn’t get to see what happens to convicts throughout the process, or watch the eventual execution of someone on Death Row. The lives involved in that journey are totally amorphous to us: we generally assume that bad people just go away, and should probably die. Why, though? What does it accomplish? The stories I heard that night had me considering things I never thought about before....

Now I'm involved in telling the story of a disadvantaged man whose life went down a bad path, a crime fueled by drugs that he was dosed with, and whose fate was sealed by the law ending his life. Looking at the gray areas isn't easy: it takes objectivity and effort to listen. It's so easy to say: "bad people should die", but when we say that, what are we actually saying? Stories are always bigger than the surface layer. I never asked myself these questions before. Walking with Joseph is teaching me to look deeper. There's a story behind every person, no matter what they've "done". I’m grateful to Sister Helen for helping me look a little deeper, and to discover things we are taught to ignore.  

It was wonderful to be introduced to her by Jake Heggie after the event was over, and to spend a little time talking about the work and the role. How often do we, as opera singers, get to talk to the source of a story? Almost never! What made that even more special to me was that this author is really working and fighting for change – not just telling a story for its own sake. I’m honored to be a part of that work in my small way, bringing the story and life of Joseph to light. Hopefully I can help people consider things they haven’t thought about before. What’s beautiful about the opera is that it doesn’t tell you what to think – but it definitely makes you think.


More soon...

Dead Man Walking: The Journey Begins

A few weeks ago I was asked to perform the role of Joseph De Rocher, the convict on Death Row, in Dayton Opera’s production of Jake Heggie’s opera Dead Man Walking. It would be a fast-paced study period, having only a month to get the role learned and memorized before going into staging rehearsals. Memories of the movie with Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn immediately came to mind, but I never saw the opera. I’ve always been a fan of Jake Heggie’s work, and was interested in taking on a role like this, but was there enough time for me to prepare?  As soon as I got the call to consider the role, I asked my team about their willingness and availability to help me prepare. I was reassured with extra support from my teacher, the composer, the stage director, and members of the company - since coming in at the eleventh hour is scary even for a modest role in a standard repertoire opera. Through the magic of YouTube, I got to listen to the entire opera a few times, and sang along with several of Joseph’s lines to see how it fit vocally. That part was fine and I agreed to be in the production – now to LEARN it…

As soon as the score arrived (Priority Mail!) I sat down and highlighted Joseph’s lines. That process seemed to go on forever… What had I gotten myself in to, with just one month to learn this huge part? If there was going to be any hope of having it learned in time I needed a battle plan: divide the role into six parts, and take five days to learn (and mostly memorize) each one. Work in sequence, and build on to what you learned the previous five days. There would be a little wiggle room, but I’d do my best to stay on target. It seemed to work, and I’m ahead of schedule.

I had a few deep conversations with our stage director, Gary Briggle, on the opera, the characters/relationships in it, and specifics of the role. We talked about the look and feel of Joseph, and the story of his past that lead him the death penalty. I was worried about a character like Joseph taking a toll on me, personally, and on the people closest to me. Studying characters isn’t new to me, and I know how involved I get in them, but I’ve never played a man on Death Row for rape and murder… Putting it all away can sometimes be difficult: between the music constantly playing in my mind, thoughts of Joseph’s world, his relationships, crimes, remorse, fear, lies… It’s hard to turn all that off. A journey to get into the space and mind of a man whose life went down such a dark path is not something I want to wander into blindly. Luckily, there are truly incredible people around to keep me grounded, and remind me that I’m also here, now.

One of the striking parts about the process has been changing the way I look for the role. Something as simple as modifying workouts and growing out a beard has been huge in building this character for performance. I’m used to being Zachary Gordin outside of rehearsals until tech week – when costumes and makeup are put on me, and the full transformation is more instant. It’s different when the process goes on for several weeks. I’m meeting Joseph through a kind of immersion, seeing the world in a slightly different way, and considering things and people in a way I don’t usually. It’s comforting to know that I’ll be able to shed him once the production is over, but it’s important to acknowledge that seeing the world through different eyes – even the eyes of a Death Row inmate - isn’t a bad thing.

Ten Healthy Changes Every Singer Should Make NOW!

Me and Shawnette Sulker, soprano - candid snapshot after a performance of Dido and Aeneas.

Yeah, I’m talking to YOU… I wanted to chime-in with ten easy ways we can positively affect our bodies and voices. Here you go!

1. HYDRATE! Cultivate a drinking habit…

No, sorry, vodka doesn’t count… Our bodies require WATER to transport nutrients, keep our cells happy, eliminate toxins, regenerate, and keep our vocal tissues flexible and supple. I’m constantly shocked to find how poor some people’s water intake can be... Muscle soreness, headaches, tight chords, lethargy and so many other problems can have links to dehydration. The old rule of “eight glasses a day” simply isn’t enough for most people. I tend to go through 4 or more liters of water per day. Drinking more water also helps curb junk food cravings, and keeps you from passing out on hot days or during strenuous workouts. Carry a bottle with you as often as possible, empty it into your mouth often, and keep it refilled.

2. DO CARDIO! Happy heart = happy voice…

Cardio is short for cardiovascular exercise – which is essentially: getting your heart rate up with moderate exertion, requiring you to cycle more air into/out of your body, making your heart work at a higher rate. The benefits of adding some cardio to your life definitely trump the list of reasons to sit on a couch and watch American Idol outtakes, and it’s not just about burning fat… Other benefits include: reducing stress, improving sleep patterns, increasing bone density, strengthening your immune system, slowing the aging process, reducing the risk of heart disease, and MANY MORE! 20 to 40 minutes of moderate intensity cardio exercise, done 3-5 times a week is a great way to start.

3. RESISTANCE TRAINING! Strong is the new skinny…

Starting a resistance training program (yes, that means weights!), or adding resistance training to your existing fitness routine is a great way to increase stamina, gain strength, keep/get your body toned, and generally improve your mood and outlook on life. Ladies, you simply WILL NOT look like one of the Jersey Shore boys by adding moderate resistance training to your life. I promise! Guys, I’m sure there isn’t a stage director in the world that would fault you for cultivating a stronger physique. I’m pretty tired of hearing voice teachers talking about how lifting weights damages your ability to sing beautifully… and usually these are people who have never seen a dumbbell in real life. Learn to breathe in the context of the lifting process – just the same as you would on a phrase. I’ll dig into this topic on another article, but suffice it to say that the benefits of resistance training are greater than the risks.

4. STOP YELLING! Save it for the paying customers, baby doll…

I think most of us are guilty of using our instruments in damaging ways. Going to loud restaurants, nightclubs, parties, amplified concerts, shouting across the gym, and the list goes on… While there’s something magical about going on that first date at a trendy restaurant where you have to shout to have a conversation - only to wake up the next day with gravel in your throat – we should really try to preserve the instrument we strive so hard to cultivate and invest our time, money and energy into. I’m not saying stay in and live a silent life, but when you go out for a night on the town try to stay conscious of how and where you spend your vocal capital. Your voice will thank you. 

5. MEDITATE! Sit still, breathe, and be…

I’m not saying we all need to assume a contortionist’s pose, drink a shot of wheat grass, and be hell-bent on achieving enlightenment… but setting aside some time each day (or each week) to clear your mind and organize your focus is always a good idea. In addition to the act of adding calm and quiet to your life, I suggest you choose topics to focus on in your meditation. Whether it’s a mantra like “I will open my self up to my breath”, or drawing an “Angel Card” with a word like “Gratitude”, setting a focus for your meditation time is a great way to commit to the ritual. It also serves to clear your mind and heart of all the extra junk that tends to get in the way of our progress, purpose, and confidence.

6. READ LABELS! You are what you eat…

As singers we ARE instruments. No matter how you rationalize the things you eat, there is a direct correlation between how you feed your body and how useful it can be. Cultivating the habit of reading the labels on whatever food you buy (yes, actually read it before you put it into your grocery cart!) is a great way to look out for your health. Educate yourself on what is healthy and what is harmful. If something is made primarily of sugar, hydrogenated oils, or there are a ton of words that only a chemist can pronounce, you should leave it on the shelf. The simple act of consciousness around what your food is MADE OF will have dramatic positive effects on your health and your life.   

7. TAKE A PILL! Vitamin and mineral supplements for increased health…

I am pretty sure that none of us get ALL the nutrition our bodies need solely from the food we eat. Even if you’re paying close attention to fulfilling your daily nutritional requirements, eating several times a day, and planning meals that are nutritionally dense, you’re pretty much assured to miss the mark without some additional supplementation. This is especially true if you’re following steps 2 and 3, above. By adding something as simple as a specialized multi-vitamin, the effects on your immune system, mood, and overall wellness will surprise you. Read up, talk to your doctor or nutritionist, and start popping pills!

8. LESS SUGAR! MORE PROTEIN! Out with the fluff…

As singers we are often in our higher mind, discussing interpretation, nuance, drama, and where to get the strongest drinks for the fewest dollars… But remember, we are just animals made of muscle. This muscle tissue helps us get around on stage, supports our superhuman breath, and helps to keep your understudy in check! By monitoring your protein intake, and aiming for 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight (adjust this number to reflect a good lean body weight if you are on a quest to loose more than 50 pounds), you will be helping your body repair from stress, workouts, and you’ll be building precious muscle tissue. Sugary snacks and drinks provide lots of calories, but none of the sustaining nutrition you need to sing Lucia’s mad scene, or any Handel role…  Pack food to bring with you on your day’s journey, especially when you aren’t sure you have access to healthy options. Things like tuna packets, a baked chicken breast (keep it cold!), protein bars with reduced sugar, and even vegetarian/vegan protein items if you follow one of those diets, are incredibly useful to have on hand. You’ll start to crave less junk, have more energy, and get more done with fewer diva fits. Your family, colleagues, and stage directors will thank you.  

9. MAKE LISTS! Write it down and get it done…

Grocery lists: plan it before you make an unhealthy impulse purchase in the candy aisle. If you stick to planning ahead and only buy what’s on the list, you’ll be less inclined to put junk food in your mouth.

Career administration lists: auditions, contacts, repertoire to buy/download/learn, competitions, etc. learn to incorporate these lists into a CALENDAR. Yes, I said it… You’ll forget deadlines unless you set up the ritual of using a calendar. That means putting stuff IN the calendar - even reminders - and checking it DAILY! It’s my morning ritual, along with answering emails.

One helpful hint I got from an incredible person: “don’t WAIT to take care of something you can do right NOW!” See how you can incorporate that concept into your daily life and business routine. Great things will happen…

10. FOCUS! Nobody is going to do it for you…

It’s your career, and your life. Show up for yourself, and see that your needs are met so you can be a happy and healthy colleague. Success is found in accomplishment – so concentrate your efforts and GET IT DONE!!

Here’s to your success!! ZG