ABOUT We Shall Not Be Moved

“We Shall Not Be Moved,” a hybrid opera which premiered in Philadelphia in 2017 through the efforts of Opera Philadelphia, was named by The New York Times as one of that year’s “Best Classical Performances.”   The power of the story, which took its roots from the historical event ‘The Move Bombing,’ a war against Black American activists which happened in Philadelphia in 1984, is made ever more compelling by the infusion of Hip Hop, spoken word poetry, jazz, classical singing and improvisatory themes. In The MOVE Project all of the original cast members will be joined by the principal creative team during this week-long series of events, which will feature symposiums, masterclasses, and panel discussions that dive into each individual artistic aspect touched by this amazing show.  Daniel Bernard Roumain, composer, will be joined by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, poet and spoken word artist, and icon director and choreographer Bill T. Jones to deliver some of the highlight content of The MOVE Project.

PEOPLE

Composer & Librettist

Daniel Bernard Roumain & Marc Bamuthi Joseph

Daniel Bernard Roumain's acclaimed work as a composer and performer spans more than two decades, and has been commissioned by venerable artists and institutions worldwide. “About as omnivorous as a contemporary artist gets” (The New York Times), DBR is perhaps the only composer whose collaborations traverse the worlds of Philip Glass, Bill T. Jones, Savion Glover and Lady Gaga. Learn more about Daniel Bernard Roumain.

Marc Bamuthi Joseph is an inaugural recipient of the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, and the United States Artists Rockefeller Fellowship. He is also the winner of the 2011 Herb Alpert Award in Theatre, and an inaugural recipient of the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. Learn more about Marc Bamuthi Joseph.