Dr. Stacey Fraser, CSUSB Music Department Chair, Professor and Opera Theater Director discusses her background and how she came to be at CSUSB. Plus, we talk to her about her Amazon streaming short film, "Still Life After Death." The film also ties in with a Grammy submission for one of her songs which we feature in the podcast. Here are some of the details of the film which the soprano produced and stars in:

Still Life After Death

One of the main concepts behind the staging was to develop a neutral awareness in the gestures and movements of performers, allowing them to flow beyond the recognizable and familiar associations. As the lead character—the living—embarks on a ritualistic, spiritual journey towards the end of life, the search to obtain an insight into the great beyond eventually points to the dissolution of self. A fully realized and awakened state sheds physical attachments and maps a way out through the process of acceptance. Matter, mind, perception and consciousness are encouraged by the Monk, the ever-present, undetectable companion. Both roles, essentially representing Life and Death, move in and out of the shadows to change places, but always keeping the balance.

The film is an adaption of the following:

"Still Life After Death" 1995

It is a music theatre theater work inspired by an ancient Cambodian ritual that traditionally takes place at an individual’s death bed. A Buddhist monk would be invited to a home to preside at this ritual, which assists a dying person in his or her transit from life to death. The monk chants short phrases in the ancient language of Pali, and the dying person would repeat each phrase after the monk, until the very last breath. In "Still Life After Death," the female vocalist represents the dying person and the male vocalist represents the Buddhist monk. 

The above note was written by Susan Ung.
 

Mihaela describes her participation and direction on the virtual lab at California State University, San Bernardino. This is the student run lab where they practice augmented and  virtual reality. She starts with her fascinating story about coming to the U.S. from Romania. Plus, you'll hear how she will incorporate AR/VR at home during the pandemic. She's funny and engaging! Enjoy!