Clockwise from Left:  Renoly, Melinda Camber-Porter, Elizabeth Swados, Rodney Hicks 

Journey to Benares

Journey to Benares was a spiritual wonder, one of the best pieces I ever did.  It was a musical written by the late great artist, Melinda Camber-Porter with composition and direction by Elizabeth Swados. 

Above: Melinda Camber-Porter's paintings;

 Inset: Traditional representation of Skanda

It started as a workshop with Manhattan Theater Club and we performed it later as a staged concert at The Asia Society Museum.

The piece explored the relationship between a man and woman who meet through 'a quirk of fate' brought on by a young Indian god named Skanda, whom I played.

The lyrics were out of sight, the music soaring and complementary.  I had to sing sky-high Indian style notes; the music was truly fun and inspirational.  Loved working with Melinda and again with Liz.