WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Setting the precedent. When it comes to establishing what one hopes would become a new paradigm in thinking, there is usually an accompanying risk, chances being taken without any prior circumstance of similar nature to stand upon, to base one’s decision through, to know in advance that success is an absolute guarantee. Yet, looking at those exact moments that subsequently redefine a particular talent, an industry, or even the opinions of an entire world, it is that leap of faith, staring into the void of doubts, apprehensions, and uncertainties, that makes the journey worthwhile. So it comes down to the Tulsa Opera in 2019, as one composer/artistic director stepped forth and announced a monumental, unprecedented decision involving their newly fashioned production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”. A renowned singer would play the lead role, marking her American debut. Hardly anything surprising or eyebrow-raising–until it’s revealed her name is Lucia Lucas–and she is transgender.
Next, my Mind:
It is our very humanity thrust into the spotlight, a stirringly potent orchestration that revolves around raw talent, emboldened, hard-won confidence, the ongoing struggle for there to be better, logical understanding, and the unmitigated desire burning within the heart and soul of a passionate creative to simply make an audience FEEL while striving to deliver a deeply heartfelt performance, all deftly placed into our scope of vision through this 90-minute documentary effort from director/editor James Kicklighter, producer Russ Kirkpatrick, and executive producer Andy Kinslow. From the foundational starting point which heralds 30 days of preparations by the Tulsa Opera to present one of Mozart’s most beloved operas, “Don Giovanni”, it then becomes a highly relatable and wholly grounded narrative centered on the key performer, Lucia Lucas, who will become the first transgender to play the role–ever–in the world.
As is so often the case with documentary film, we’re treated to a fully candid viewpoint of the realities faced by such an individual as Lucia, not just from the perspective of a hugely skilled singer/performer, but from the evocatively personal viewpoint as well, willing to expose her being with unflinching truth and striking yet tempered bluntness that assuredly showcases someone who is out to do one thing–be herself, no matter what anyone else thinks. But, within this context of transparency lies an innate vulnerability that longs for people to have a more accepting attitude while also totally acknowledging with an absolute resolution that she constructs her art for herself, that she cannot MAKE anyone like her, and that the talent she possesses is pure and honest. People will like her or they won’t, and Lucia is settled with either outcome. It’s an admirable and understandable demeanor that speaks volumes to what we learn have been the struggles faced in her life.
But what really stuck out to me quite a bit was a statement made by Lucia that indicates just how SMALL a part of her life being transgendered actually is compared to the grander aspects of her goals that she aims to make an impact on the world with. It’s inspirational to hear this attitude given how we still, sadly, live in a world where misunderstanding, unfounded, embittered judgement, bigotry, and sheer hatred remains present against the LGTBQIA community. But, the fact that Lucia has overcome this by simply making the choice to live on her own terms and then let people accept it or not, it’s an aggressive stand against these obstacles while declaring the overwhelming, self-assured belief in who she is and what she has to offer that transcends it all. It’s why her playing a role like Don Giovanni fits so beautifully, given that character’s own chameleon-like existence, love him/hate him manner, and outlook on life, which Lucia brings into reality so realistically and fervently and is so profoundly expanded on throughout the film.
The film immerses us in full measure into the heart of all the chaos that goes into the production of an opera as a whole, much less one that features such an auspicious debut. Through a marvelous wealth of interviews that feature “Don Giovanni” director Denni Sayers, actor/singer Michael St. Peter, composer/artistic director Tobias Picker, conductor Andres Cladera, actor/singer Hidenori Inoue, NY Times journalist Michael Cooper, Tulsa Opera CEO/General Director Ken McConnell actor/singer Anthony Clark Evans, Tulsa Opera Board of Directors Vice Chair Ronnie Jobe, opera development representative Susan Stiff, costume designer Deb Smith, and Lucia’s wife Ariana Lucas there is a well-rounded, insightful, and entertaining portrait of the challenges, joys, hopes, dreams, victories, defeats, and ultimate triumphs that go into what they all yearn to be a massive success. The relationship that forms between Lucas and Picker in particular is so wonderfully touching, as they both represent so astutely the gamble being taken that could make or even break both of their careers. There are beautifully moving payoffs during the film’s final act that perfectly sum up all the efforts Lucia, Tobias, and everyone put forth.
Of course, we come back to Lucia herself, forming the core thematic gist of the documentary’s premise and purpose. As stated above, she is a true delight to watch and listen to, not only for the undeniable talent she represents in the opera world, but again for her willingness to just put herself out there, in every emotional state the camera catches her in throughout the process, while just exuding such a transforming and endearing sense of sincerity that just cannot be ignored or brushed aside. Watching her take on the rigors alone of the actual prep for the performance over the course of 30 days much less all the additional self-promotion measures she engages in via speaking engagements in Tulsa and pounding the pavement, it’s a wonder she was able to pull it all off AND perform to the standards she and we would expect. Yet, she does, and with the complete energy and intent of someone bound and determined to tell the world “HERE I am, but for ME. Listen, FEEL, make up your mind.” Entering this sphere of how Lucia utilizes every facet of who she is to make herself known is captivating and challenging, a credit to someone who’s just not afraid to be REAL.
In total, with even what’s written above feeling like it barely scratches the surface of everything all the individuals making up this film’s story convey, “The Sound of Identity” will, this critic feels, impact viewers in such a manner as to evoke a resounding provocation to feel how you wish about Lucia and the transgender community, BUT, also ideally engender a willingness to open up, SEE, and honor the beauty that is the magnificence of what it is to be human in order to rise above hatred and prejudice, encountering a much more lucid picture of a PERSON–accessible, charismatic, accomplished–who’s brave and appropriately defiant enough to weather the storms, be unafraid to stand firm for both her art AND identity, and embody what it is to just unambiguously BE.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
