Daniel Bernard Roumain's "The Telling"

Originally scheduled for January 22, this live performance is rescheduled to Thursday, September 29, 2022 to open FirstWorks’ fall season. The producers have prioritized the health of our audience members and artists during the current high community transmission of COVID-19, while affirming the healing power of the arts.

“The Telling” is a new collection of original live works by renowned Haitian-American composer, violinist, and activist Daniel Bernard Roumain. Through instrumental solos, dance, and chamber music, the artists reflect upon and respond to the forces of crisis and communion in our lives, telling stories of our anger, anguish, and enduring hope. Surrounded by singers, dancers and strings at Providence’s majestic WaterFire Arts Center, how can we, the living, honor the lost? 

“Twin Stars: Diamond Variations for Dae’Anna” is the centerpiece of the evening program. This complex chamber work is a cry for racial justice and a searing artistic response to the killing of Philando Castile. Castile was fatally shot by a police officer in 2016 during a traffic stop while driving with his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her four-year-old daughter, Dae’Anna. A Town Hall dialogue will follow the live concert.

Featured artists: Becky Bass, Shura Baryshnikov, Melvin Chen, MusicWorks Collective, Albert Rudolph Lee, Daniel Bernard Roumain, and Brandie Sutton.


BOX OFFICE INFO:
$35-$55 with a pay-what-you-can option, to offer equitable access to all. Available at FIRSTWORKS.ORG or by calling 401-421-4278.


HEALTH AND SAFETY INFO:
All attendees must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with photo ID, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance. Masks are required for all attendees.


"The Telling" was made possible with funding by the New England Foundation for the Arts' New Work New England program, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Seedlings Foundation, the Fund for the Arts at NEFA, and individual donors. This grant is in honor of Dr. Larry Simpson, a NEFA board member from 2006 –2020, including six years as chair, and a champion of the arts.

This program is made possible with additional support from Providence’s Department of Art Culture + Tourism and ATR Treehouse


RELATED EVENTS:
“The Seeing”, a series of compelling video works scored by Daniel Bernard Roumain. On view at WaterFire Arts Center from January 12-February 6, 2022. Visit waterfire.org for details.