An Opera in 2 acts, exploring the rise and fall of David Koresh and the Branch Davidian Church in Waco, TX.
Instrumentation
Janet Reno — Dramatic Soprano
David Koresh — Lyric Tenor
Steve Schneider — High Baritone
The FBI Negotiator — Bass-Baritone
Chorus of Congressional Investigators (TTB)
Chorus of The Followers (SSA)
Alto Flute (dbl. clarinet, flute, piccolo)
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet (dbl. bassoon)
Horn
Trumpet
Electric Guitar
2 Keyboards
2 Percussion (Drumset and mallets)
2 Violin
Viola
Cello
Contrabass (dbl. Electric Bass)
This work requires additional amplification or technical requirements.
Performance History
This work was workshopped at the 2012 Capitol Fringe Festival in Washington, DC.
Synopsis
Prologue
At the hearings on Waco, The People and Janet Reno deliver opening statements. The People state that they are seeking accountability. Janet Reno denies any wrongdoing. David Koresh and his Followers describe the opening assault in the Waco Siege.
Act I
Scene 1
David Koresh has been shot. He calls his mother and tells her he’s dying. David’s right hand man Steve Schneider reflects on his life with Koresh and his wife’s affair with Koresh. The FBI Negotiator gives Koresh the opportunity to tell his message to the world.
Scene 2
David Koresh and The Negotiator discuss Koresh’s bullet wound, the initial raid, the safe exit of the children, and his founding of the Mount Carmel Center and the relationship he had with Lois Roden.
Scene 3
Janet Reno and The People discuss their version of how Koresh came to power at the Mount Carmel Center. David Koresh and The Negotiator discuss Koresh’s version.
Scene 4
Janet Reno testifies that she has evidence of Koresh’s sexual abuse of children. The FBI Negotiator and Steve Schneider discuss his life and Steve admits his children were fathered by Koresh.
Scene 5
David Koresh has surrendered to the FBI. Before he exits the compound, he gathers his Followers to pray, and abruptly changes his mind, claiming a vision from God. Janet Reno testifies that this forces her to resolve the siege in any way possible.
Act II
Scene 1
Janet Reno testifies that Koresh used mind control techniques. Koresh’s Followers release a video saying that they don’t want to leave Mount Carmel. Koresh tells the FBI Negotiator he is not going to play nice anymore.
Scene 2
The FBI Negotiator reads some letters from the public encouraging the government to act with force. Janet Reno testifies that the letters did not affect her judgement. The People do not believe her. David and Steve discuss their “final solution”. The Followers prepare to die.
Scene 3
Janet Reno testifies that David meant nothing to her and was a terrorist that had to be eliminated. Steve and the Negotiator discuss the rules of engagement.
Scene 4
David releases his final manifesto. Steve and the FBI Negotiator argue over the rules of engagement.
Scene 5
The Final Assault on the compound begins. The FBI Negotiator reflects on the siege, but states he must follow orders. Janet Reno testifies she has told nothing but the truth. Koresh and his Followers die in their final stand.
Rental Request
The materials for this work are available on rental.