Miami, FL – Sept. 20, 2024 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Live Arts Miami presents the Southeast premiere of mɔɹnɪŋ [morning//mourning] a critically acclaimed modern opera by artist Gelsey Bell, Oct. 17 – 19, at The Art Lab at MDC Wolfson. Making its first appearance outside of New York, this captivating new work offers a playful and fantastical exploration of a post-human world, inspired by Alan Weisman’s book The World Without Us.
Set in a future where humans no longer exist, mɔɹnɪŋ [morning//mourning] imagines a world where Earth undergoes a miraculous metamorphosis. Through an ensemble of five vocalist/multi-instrumentalists—including Bell, Aviva Jaye, Mia Pak, Brian McCorkle and Paul Pinto—the audience is guided on a poetic journey through the changes on Earth as forests grow back, new species evolve, and the human-made world gradually erodes away. The title implies the dual emotional nature of the show, populated with music that is simultaneously life-affirming and hopeful and undeniably sorrowful. It poses existential questions about what it means to leave a lasting impact on the planet. How long will our influence linger? How will the Earth look without us? And what lessons can we learn today from imagining this future?
“I was immediately struck by its exquisite artistry, unexpected humor, and hopeful tone” says Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director of Live Arts Miami of the show’s premiere, “The work truly transports you to another reality, capturing your imagination with vivid storytelling, beautiful music, and outstanding performances.”
The work premiered in January 2023 at the Prototype Festival in New York to an extended run of sold-out shows and critical acclaim.
“This piece was created to expand how we think about time scales, to conceive of transformation over long periods of time, in ways that highlight the staying power of some human activities and speak to how long it can take ecosystems to adapt, Bell said. She adds “Opera and experimental music theater is such a great place to explore epic story. So how can you get more epic than going 1.6 billion years into the future?”
WHAT: mɔɹnɪŋ [morning//mourning]
WHEN: October 17-19, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Art Lab at MDC Wolfson
300 NE 2nd Ave Building 1, Miami, FL 33132
Tickets and Information:
As part of Live Arts Miami’s 35th Anniversary celebration, tickets for this unique event are priced at $35. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit liveartsmiami.org.
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About Gelsey Bell:
Gelsey Bell is a composer, performer, and scholar known for her innovative work in experimental music, opera, and theater. She has been described by the New York Times as “one of New York’s most adventurous musicians” and “a charismatic and fiercely intelligent performer.” Her work has been performed throughout North America, Europe, and Japan. https://gelseybell.com/
About the Future Earth Series:
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Live Arts Miami presents the Future Earth series, a dynamic lineup of performances exploring the intersection of art, technology, humanity and the planet. The series features performances, discussions and educational programs inviting audiences to reimagine the planet’s future through art.
About Live Arts Miami:
Live Arts Miami is one of the city’s oldest and boldest performing arts series, presenting powerful performances and community programs that spark dialogue, raise awareness, and open minds. Founded in 1990 as Cultura del Lobo, Live Arts Miami is a proud part of Miami Dade College’s Department of Cultural Affairs.
The programs of Live Arts Miami are funded by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and theCultural Affairs Council; the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners: the NationalEndowment for the Arts; South Arts; National Performance Network (NPN); the John S. and James L. KnightFoundation. In addition, Live Arts Miami is a National Performance Network (NPN) partner. Major NPNcontributors include the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Live Arts Miami press inquiries, contact: Marcia Gomez, Blank Canvas Communications
marcia@blankcanvascomm.com | 305.397.9207