Ashoka's Dream

• Composer: Peter Lieberson
• Librettist: Douglas Penick
• Source: The opera is inspired by the life of Ashoka Maurya, king of India in the third century B.C. Ashoka was considered revolutionary to base government on principles of universal tolerance, generosity and non-aggression.
• First performance: Santa Fe, 26 July 1997
• Synopsis

Dramatis Personæ

Ashoka, Emperor of India (baritone)

Girika, charioteer (tenor)

The Sage (baritone)

Cankya, Prime Minister (bass)

Kroda, minister (baritone)

Madu, minister (bass)

Raga, minister (tenor)

Lakshmi, Queen of India (soprano)

Triraksha, consort, later Queen of India (mezzo-soprano)

Air (soprano)

Fire (soprano)

Water (mezzo-soprano)

Earth (contralto)

Ashoka as a boy (silent)

King Bindusara, Ashoka's father (silent)

Prince Susima, Ashoka's brother (silent)

Crown Prince Kunala, Lakshmi's son by Ashoka (silent)

Triraksha's son by Ashoka (silent)

Chorus: Citizens, Guards, Courtiers, The Forest, Warriors, Survivors

Setting: India; 3rd century BC

contributed by Judy C. Miner, 1998