World premiere: "I Can't Breathe" for chorus
/My army of activist singers and I have been hard at work bringing a new piece to life, and we are excited to be able to announce a pair of performances at two fabulous New York venues, joined by our stunning soloists Tyrone Chambers and Antoine Hodge.
Some color on the piece:
On July 17, 2014, an unarmed civilian was strangled to death by a police officer; on December 3 a grand jury declined to indict the officer with any charges, in spite of a shocking video clearly documenting the encounter and homicide.
Eric Garner's unintentional last words have become an elegy, an anthem, and a rallying cry. His spoken dialogue during the three-minute encounter sends a chill down the spine as we reflect on what language we might be remembered by if our lives were cut short so violently. "I Can't Breathe," a short theatrical piece for chorus (10 min.), uses as lyrics Garner's last words, beginning with "Get away/for what?" and concluding with repetitions of "I can't breathe." The message is clear: the video opened our eyes, and now we all must step forward and stand up for justice.
Performances:
Wednesday, May 6
STUFFED 15: Dinner and Dance
Judson Church – 55 Washington Square South, New York, NY
Doors at 7pm – Performance begins at 8 PM
Free admission including free dinner for the public
https://www.facebook.com/events/355370561330565
Saturday, May 16
A Cultural Tribute to the Black Lives Matter Movement
"I Can't Breathe" for chorus
a grassroots choral performance composed and directed by Josh Feintuch
featuring soloists Tyrone Chambers II and Antoine Hodge
found lyrics, from the last words of Eric Garner
Black Lives Matter Photo Essay
by Photographer Gabriele Holtermann-Gorden
ShapeShifter Lab – 18 Whitwell Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Saturday, May 16, 2015, 2 PM-4 PM
Suggested Donation $10 – None turned away – Cash bar
sponsored by the Green Party of Brooklyn