One of the wonderful things about our work here at GeekVibesNation is the diversity of projects and the talented Creators who are making them happen. Sometimes, those creators come from a genre that you might not consider. That is the case with an exciting new adaptation from the Arizona Opera House, 150 years in the making – Carmen: The Graphic Novel.
Written by Operatic Tenor Alek Shrader and with art by P. Craig Russell (NEIL GAIMAN’S AMERICAN GODS) and Aneke (BYLINES IN BLOOD), Carmen by Georges Bizet is perhaps one of the most well-known operas of all time. Later this month, Arizona Opera is launching a Kickstarter campaign for this ambitious adaptation. With this in mind, we sat down with writer/director and Opera Performer Alek Shrader to discuss the project and how it came about.
Growing Up Opera
GVN: Thank you so much for giving us some of your time, Alek.
AS: I would do anything for you. Almost anything.
GVN: I’m not sure I can get my family to say that. [laughs] But we certainly appreciate it. I would be remiss if I didn’t ask you a bit about your background as it isn’t every day that we have the pleasure of talking to an Operatic Tenor. Being unfamiliar with the skill set, what made you contemplate following that path and when did your Operatic singing talent manifest itself?
AS: I grew up with opera in the house, so it was more familiar to me than most— both my parents are former pro-opera singers. Honestly, I resisted it as long as I could, but I suppose it’s a bit of a family business now. My wife is also an opera singer (she’s amazing). Anyone can be an opera singer; they just have to find the right teacher. And before that, they need to be willing to sing in public. That’s all you need, really.
Greatest of All Time
GVN: Judging from Karaoke performances I’ve seen, I’m not sure that’s true. As a follow-up, which artists inspired you on your career path and did you ever at any time consider another singing path? Ballads? Country?? (Having no real singing talent, I am interested in what influences the path an artist takes).
AS: For opera, the greatest voice that ever lived belonged to Luciano Pavarotti. There will never be his equal. But I had a rock band first. I was also in high school choir (we danced, too). For a moment I almost chose musical theater instead of opera. (And you DO have singing talent, it just hasn’t been given enough fuel yet.) I say, and firmly believe, that there is always time to be influenced by something new. It’s never too late. For example, writing your first comic at 39.
Bringing Carmen to a Graphic Novel
GVN: Well, I know that is true. I took up this job at 56. So, let’s get on to your exciting new project. You have combined your talents and your love of the Opera in conjunction with the Arizona Opera to create new graphic novel based on George Bizet’s Carmen. How did this idea come to fruition and was Carmen your first choice as far as which Opera to adapt?
AS: This adaptation was a pitch I submitted to AZO’s OnPitch Challenge, which was basically a Shark Tank competition to find new sources of revenue for the opera that weren’t based on wealthy patrons. (American opera is mostly funded by huge donations from individuals, which can be a stressful relationship.) I put together a business plan as best I could (all based on Google research— I had no previous knowledge/experience in making comics, except for those ones I made in grade school). And then I was selected from about 200 other applicants as a winner. CARMEN was one of the shows being presented in AZO’s season, so it was the obvious choice for an adaptation. It’s perhaps the *most* famous opera, and there was not an existing graphic novel adaptation (or so I thought at the time! But there was! Kinda!).
The Appeal of Carmen
GVN: It was a great idea and from the samples I’ve seen, a lovely book. It goes without saying that for those who are fans of Opera and of Carmen specifically, this book will be a welcome addition. However, what would you hope that those who are not as familiar with Carmen take away from the book?
AS: I’m hoping this beautiful graphic novel will be instantly appealing to those who prefer graphic adaptations to prose. In the same way, but more specifically, fans of P. Craig Russell, Aneke, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou will absolutely love this book. The story is timely and engaging: a young woman, who is strong-willed and energetic, faces challenges to her autonomy from society, misogyny, and men who won’t take “no” for an answer. Once readers experience that story in their preferred way, as an opera in their hands, maybe they’ll be curious enough to come to the opera itself.
Working with P. Craig Russell, Aneke and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
GVN: That is a good way to draw those of us uninitiated in. You are working with talented artists P. Craig Russell and Aneke on Carmen: The Graphic Novel (from what I have seen thus far, their work is beautiful as is the lettering of Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou which really complements the work. How did this collaboration come together?
AS: It was a combination of fate and kindness and social media! I reached out to Craig for advice. He was the opera guy! But then he offered to do the layouts and I was stunned! OF COURSE, I’D LOVE THAT, was my response, I believe. Aneke is the perfect artist for this project, and she was kind enough to respond to me, a random guy who slid into her twitter DMs! She is wonderful and we are so lucky to have her! And with Hass, I subscribe to his mag PanelxPanel. When he put out a call on twitter for projects, I was among the first to respond. He sent me a follow-up email and the rest is history. He is a lovely, lovely guy and a joy to collaborate with.
Bringing Carmen to Kickstarter
GVN: That is one of the things where social media is a great boon, along with sites like LinkedIn, a place to connect. You are bringing Carmen: The Graphic Novel to Kickstarter. Is this a new experience for you as far as using a crowd funding service? Also, what will readers find when they go to your Kickstarter page?
AS: Yes, this is the first time I am involved in creating a Kickstarter (via Arizona Opera), though I have helped to fund several projects as a backer. On the Kickstarter page, you can find all the most up-to-date info on the project, from bios of the creators to the synopsis of the book, to info about Arizona Opera, and more. We’re also offering Add-Ons in the form of limited art prints from SEVEN incredible women (to be revealed SOON), so get those while they last!
Other Operas in the Works
GVN: You hear that…or read that, folks? You should check it out. Now, if this project is as successful as one might hope, do you see perhaps other Opera’s you might adapt in Graphic Novel form?
AS: I have very specific operas in mind with very specific artists, so I don’t want to potentially jinx any of those dream collaborations by revealing them too soon! However, I am already adapting several operas for future projects to be announced soon. Honestly, I think *any* opera has the potential to make a great graphic novel. If you want to collab, hit me up on twitter!
GVN: Sounds like there is more to look forward to in the future. Thank you again for your time, Alek. Before I let you go, where can fans follow you on social media or the web?
AS: Twitter is my main social, though I also have Instagram. They’re both @alekshrader (DMs always open!)
You can find out more about Carmen: The Graphic Novel and it’s Kickstarter Campaign here.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
