A future where climate change has made most places on the planet unlivable, and the surviving humans have built a shelter they call the “Habitat” to protect them from the outside world. Everything in the Habitat is a virtual or synthetic copy of what was once found in nature. The Story Elder Constance has decided there is no hope for repairing our planet and forbids anyone to have contact with the outside world. She shares her plan with Elizabeth and David. Jake (Elizabeth’s son) and Lydia (David’s daughter), overhear the adults’ conversation and are sad to learn they can never leave the Habitat.
While discussing the bad news, Jake and Lydia are surprised by a talking ape— a bonobo! Bonobo tells the children how wonderful the world once was before humans neglected nature. The Story of the Opera Second Nature Matthew Aucoin, composer and librettist Scenic design by William Boles 12_0997 Lyric Opera Study Guide.indd 3 7/27/15 4:23 PM 4 5 Elder Constance catches Jake and Lydia talking to Bonobo and tells their parents. Elizabeth and David scold their children and tell them how they were forced to build the Habitat to protect their families. Jake and Lydia begin to dream of what the natural world might be like.
Later, Bonobo tells Lydia and Jake of a tree he has kept hidden. He offers a piece of fruit from the tree to them. Lydia takes a bite and is overjoyed by how great real food tastes. She convinces Jake to take a bite, too. The children wonder whether they could leave the Habitat in search of other real food. Bonobo reminds them that leaving is forbidden, but then he suggests they use the trash chute to sneak out.
Elder Constance suddenly appears, catching Lydia and Jake with the forbidden fruit. She decides to punish the children by making them stay in their homes for an entire year. But Elizabeth and David defy Elder Constance and let their kids go free. When they open the gates, Elder Constance feels the fresh air and is reminded of how wonderful nature can be, as Lydia and Jake begin their journey into the world waiting outside.