Opera Philadelphia: We Shall Not Be Moved - Mon., Sept. 18

A fusion of disciplines and genres, the score of We Shall Not Be Moved blends funk, rock, hip-hop, and classical music into a vital, experiential sonic form. This timely exploration of past and present struggles combines spoken word, contemporary movement, video projection, classical, R&B and jazz singing, and a brooding, often joyful score filled with place, purpose, and possibility.

On the run after a series of tragic incidents, five North Philly teens find refuge in an abandoned house in West Philadelphia at the exact location that served as headquarters of the MOVE organization, where a 1985 standoff with police infamously ended with a neighborhood destroyed and eleven people dead, including five children. This self-defined family is inspired by the ghosts who inhabit this home and begin to see their squatting as a matter of destiny and resistance. The group, named the Family Stand, is headed by self-appointed leader Un/Sung, and crosses paths with Glenda, a Philadelphia police officer, whose encounters with the family leads to a standoff that could threaten to repeat history.

Composer Daniel Bernard Roumain Libretto Marc Bamuthi Joseph Director, Choreographer, Dramaturg Bill T. Jones Conductor Viswa Subbaraman Assistant Choreographer Raphael Xavier Set Matt Saunders Costumes Liz Prince Lighting Robert Wierzel Projection Design Jorge Cousineau Sound Design Robert Kaplowitz Assistant Director Seth Hoff Performers Lauren Whitehead, Kristin Chávez, John Holiday, Daniel Shirley, Adam Richardson, Aubrey Allicock, Michael Bishop, Duane Lee Holland, Jr., Tendayi Kuumba, Caci Cole Pritchett

Co-commissioned and co-produced by Opera Philadelphia, The Apollo Theater, and Hackney Empire. Developed in partnership with Art Sanctuary.

Source: Philadelphia Opera & Fringe Festival