Program Note

Claw and Order is a self-referential take on the comic opera genre mixed with hyper-absurdism and surreal humor, paying homage to the lobster’s iconic role in Nova Scotian culture and exploring how it stands as a key cornerstone of its tourism industry. Musically and theatrically, the work stretches operatic conventions to their limit: it flippantly breaks the fourth wall, collapses the barrier between accompanist and narrative by semi-casting the pianist as a deadpan judge, and employs rapid character switching by a single soprano who plays both the prosecutor and defence attorney (distinguished only by glasses and vocal affect). The result is an irreverent courtroom parody of legal drama, tourism marketing, and operatic form all at once, while still managing to celebrate Nova Scotia’s cultural mascot.