Jobs’ many ups and downs make for engrossing material. After helping revolutionize home computing with the Apple II in the ’70s, he was fired from the company he co-founded in 1985. When he returned 11 years later, he again made huge strides, introducing the iMac, iPod, and iPhone. His personal life was also marked with major successes and failures, perhaps most notably the paternity case of his oldest daughter. For years, he denied that she was his child, only to later apologize and form a relationship with her. Ultimately, Jobs died in 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer.
The tech visionary’s life has already been the focus of several documentaries and biopics. He’s been portrayed by the likes of Michael Fassbender and Ashton Kutcher; Jobs has even inspired multiple graphic novels and at least one theater production. The latest project should offer a unique approach, though.
The Santa Fe Opera highlighted its tradition of “producing work that pushes the boundaries of the art form” and shared its excitement about taking “this journey into the life and legacy of a distinctly American figure.” Fittingly, acclaimed composer Mason Bates incorporates technology into his music. Veteran librettist Mark Campbell, who’s also working on the project, praised Bates in a statement, particularly his “brilliance at infusing the orchestra with electronica.”
“Audiences at Santa Fe Opera will be treated to a new kind of energy coming from the stage and the pit,” said Campbell. He and Bates will be joined by Kevin Newbury as stage director, while Michael Christie will serve as music director.
