In this time of regrouping, when there are more questions than answers about what lies ahead – such as when and how we can mount live productions in theaters -- we are nonetheless committed to partnerships, conversations, and explorations that will bring us together, and to search out the words to tell the stories we need to hear and create music that breaks open hearts. We invite our composers, librettists and lyricists, performers, directors, choreographers, designers, and filmmakers to collaborate on new projects and discover new ways of sharing works through different forms in the following productions and programs in development:
Short Gems:
Iconic Works Celebrating the Centennial of The Phillips Collection - America’s First Modern Art Museum
In the spirit of the founding of New Music-Theatre, the company has invited Tim Nelson, Artistic Director of In Series, to collaborate on commissioning a group of artists by pairing composers, librettists/lyricists and performers to create short music-theatre “gems” toasting our neighborhood’s artistic anchor, The Phillips Collection, on its Centennial Celebration in 2021. Originally conceived to be performed live in the individual galleries where the art works are hung, as our artistic response to the current crisis we are now exploring filming them in the galleries then making the works available on line for free as an extended virtual tour, followed up by conversations. The works will represent not only different music-theatre styles but a rich diversity of artists that speak to the complex mix of local cultures that make up
Washington including Afghan composer Quraishi Roya, Cuban-American lyricist Claudia Rosales, Native-American composer/cellist Dawn Avery, and African-American composer Steven M. Allen with Librettist Tom Jones and the inimitable singer-actress Roz White. (The last three who are joining forces will create a solo piece based on Lawrence Jacob Lawrence’s “The Washer Woman” from his Migration series.) On the Road to Arivaca
Developing this chamber opera continues through collaboration with local and international partners, including composer Rosino Serrano, who resides in Mexico City, and at least three local companies. The work humanizes the story, that until Covid-19 dominated our national conversation, by putting the audience “on the road” in difficult encounters that surround the many issues of immigration, national boundaries, and cross-cultural and linguistic engagement. Ortiz wrote the original poem on which the opera is based and serves as advisor on the project. The work will also feature a local Latinx children’s chorus. New Music-Theatre is partnering with In Series and the Sitar Arts Center in Adams Morgan, to embark on a two-year pilot program of ongoing workshops developing a Latinx Children’s Chorus which will participate in “bookend” productions by both companies and opportunities for young participants to build relationships, be exposed to professional performances of the highest caliber, and find outlets for their own creative expressions. This project will extend our commitment to building and serving community. Women of Troy: Voices from Afghanistan
H.E. Ambassador Roya Rahmani has joined us in partnership, believing as we do there is no more important time to champion the women of Afghanistan to light the way for peace. In a music-rich retelling of Euripides’ most famous anti-war play, Trojan Women, the creative team of writers Yalda Baktash and Susan Galbraith and composers Quraishi, Milad Yousofi and Dawn Avery represent the project’s fertile cross-cultural collaboration by setting the work in modern day Afghanistan. Against the backdrop of America’s longest war, and fragile democracy, audiences hear another side - a tale that entwines the rich cultural history and stories of resilient Afghan women into a tapestry as beautiful and rich as their voices and embroidered arts. We now reach out to Afghan artists across the diaspora to collaborate with us further intertwining stories, dance and singing. We plan to share digitally and when possible in workshops. The full production will feature16 performers, including musicians (rubab, tabla and cello,) plus puppetry.
