Šárka is a feminist re-conceptualization of the original Janáček opera. Janáček's version used a libretto from Julius Zeyer that sexualized and demeaned the Czech folk character Šárka. I took the score, extracted motifs and themes, and rewrote them into something that presented Šárka as the powerful warrior she was known to be. This new piece is a chamber trio for mezzo-soprano voice, trumpet and synthesizer. Parts of the libretto have been changed to better express the bravery and boldness the character deserves. I have also used the German version of the libretto as the people of that region would have spoken a version of German at the time period Šárka was made into a legend. The score is set in a circle with distinct colors and rules that require players to set up a roadmap of how it will be played. No two performances are exactly the same and is almost game-like.
Ich Šárka habe ihn ins Grab gebracht
Und deine Tut bestrafe ich selbst!
Šárka steh auf!
Nun, Šarká sprich!
Ich Šárka!;
Kriegerin in Vlasta's Seigezug!
Šárka erscheint mit einem Blumenkranz geschmäht
Sie trägt Trut's Axt und Schild!
Will ihn fassen im Netz meines kühen Plans
Kampflos wird fallen er!
Und du, oh Wind,
der Wett vom Wunder großer Rache künd!
Halt, böse schlange du
Sonst spaltet die Sterne dir gleich Truten's Axt!
Rache!
I, Šarká, put him in the grave
And I will punish you myself!
Get up Šárka!
Now, speak Šárka!
I am Šárka!
Warrior in Vlasta's army!
Šárka appears demure with a wreath of flowers
She carries Trut's axe and shield!
I seek to catch him in the net of my bold plan
He will fall without struggle!
And you, oh wind,
who declares the great miracle of revenge!
Halt, you evil snake
or the stars will sunder you like Trut's axe!
Vengeance!