Satyagraha (opera)

Satyagraha is an opera in three acts composed by Philip Glass, with a libretto by Constance DeJong based on the Bhagavad Gita. It is the second opera in Glass's biographical portrait trilogy, following Einstein on the Beach (1976) and preceding Akhnaten (1983).

Satyagraha, meaning "truth force" or "soul force" in Sanskrit, focuses on a period in the life of Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) during his time in South Africa from 1893 to 1914. Rather than presenting a traditional narrative storyline, the opera explores the development of Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance through a series of tableaux.

The opera features Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita as its primary language, creating a meditative and ritualistic atmosphere. The music is characteristically minimalist, employing repetitive structures and arpeggiated figures that build in intensity.

Significant historical figures appear as symbolic presences throughout the opera, including Leo Tolstoy, Rabindranath Tagore, and Martin Luther King Jr. These figures serve as inspirations and commentators on Gandhi's actions and philosophies.

Satyagraha premiered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on September 5, 1980. It is considered a major work in Philip Glass's oeuvre and a significant contribution to contemporary opera. The opera explores themes of nonviolence, social justice, and the power of individual action in bringing about change. Its unique structure and meditative qualities have made it a compelling and enduring work for audiences worldwide.