E.G.: A Musical Portrait of Emma Goldman
This musical portrait explores the political legacy of activist/author Emma Goldman (1869-1940), who was called "the most dangerous woman in America" by J. Edgar Hoover. "E.G." is also a clever play on the main character’s initials, Emma Goldman—"for example" (Latin exempli gratia). She was a radical Russian-Jewish-American woman who championed causes such as free speech, reproductive freedom, and freedom from war. Though vilified back in the day, her outlook stands as an admonition against authoritarianism with pressing relevance today.
The piece is written for a female singer and a male singing pianist, who portrays all the men in Goldman’s life. The work combines musical passages, monologues, and visual elements like 266 projections and newsreel footage.
First performed in the 1980s, the opera has had over 50 productions in five countries. It has been revived multiple times, with recent performances scheduled in late 2025 and early 2026.
Notes on Emma Goldman by Karen Ruoff.
