INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, composed and created by Carson Kievman, is a full-length opera which was commissioned by the Donaueschingen Music Festival, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Southwest German Radio and Television, Baden-Baden. A mixed-media production, "Intelligent Systems" features a 15-piece ensemble who perform in conjunction with projected, animated film images and in combination with exciting costume constructions, mechanical stage and lighting effects.

Puppet costumes by the internationally celebrated designer, Robert Israel, special lighting effects by Tony Award Winner, Pat Collins, and mechanical set design by the composer. The storyboard/libretto will be animated and transformed into a film, which will be projected throughout the performance. Mr. Kievman has participated in this process by designing the set himself, creating a 90-minute electronic performance tape, to accompany the "live" ensemble.

 "Intelligent Systems" offers a unique interpretation of the evolution of an alien planet similar to our own. Through a wonderful integration of sonic and visual images the audience is taken through time and space on a quest to understand, and actually feel as though they are experiencing, creation, natural catastrophe, social evolution, and the modern threat of self-annihilation.

This opera puts into perspective the history of the universe as a series of natural catastrophes. It also points out that man evolved from and is part of nature, and therefore self-determined nuclear annihilation may be another natural catastrophe in the progress of the universe. Intelligent Systems says that life doesn't end, it's simply transformed.

Especially exciting for contemporary audiences, "Intelligent Systems" is an unusual theatrical event that reaches a degree of communication beyond the normal music-theater experience. The total effect of "Intelligent Systems" is a universal and compelling blend of music, theater and visual art.

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