The Fourth Messenger

"The Fourth Messenger" is a musical theater piece, with book and lyrics by Tanya Shaffer (www.tanyashaffer.com) and music by Vienna Teng (www.viennateng.com). It is loosely inspired by the life of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. In our version, however, the setting is contemporary, and the "awakened one" is a woman, a world famous guru named Sidney Arthur, known to her followers as Mama Sid. Mama Sid has a secret, however, which she's kept hidden for many years, until a mysterious young woman arrives at her ashram in Northern Canada and starts asking questions. As their acquaintance deepens, Sid is forced to confront her long ago actions and their consequences. Funny, tender, and packed with gorgeous songs, “The Fourth Messenger” grapples with themes of responsibility, forgiveness, and whether it is possible to be both “enlightened” and flawed.

Sponsored since Oct 26, 2011
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