Studio Sound: Sable Elyse Smith features a new opera titled If you unfolded us by interdisciplinary artist and writer Sable Elyse Smith, in collaboration with composer David Dominique and vocalist Freddie June. Serving as the first part of a larger, ongoing project, the performance intertwines an unfolding love story between two Black women with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.
Smith’s approach begins with language and explores her interest in the voice as artistic material in this multimedia operatic performance. The work is structured in two parts, each consisting of a series of songs that weave together a narrative of desire, rejection, self-discovery, and resilience. Smith shares, “Narratively, I’m interested in elevating a story of vulnerability—the stuff of everyday life—to something remarkable, fashioning a new kind of epic tale within the formal and aesthetic space of opera, and pushing its conceptual potential.”
Dominique’s score fuses traditional and popular musical forms, with influences ranging from R&B and jazz to musique concrète and contemporary chamber music. Set against the backdrop of a developing storm, the performance explores the political, collective, and dramatic potential of the voice, as well as the ways in which language dissolves through sonic expression.
This performance will use a fog machine. The matinee performance on Sunday, July 14, will be followed by a conversation between the artists and Martha Joseph, Associate Curator, Department of Media and Performance.
Performance credits
Concept and libretto: Sable Elyse Smith
Composer: David Dominique
Vocal arrangement: Danielle Bowler, Freddie June (Shala Miller), S T A R R Busby
Lighting design: Kelley Shih
Dramaturgy: Ica Sadagat
Stage managers: Stacy-Jo Marine, Philip Trevino
Main: Freddie June (Shala Miller)
Lover: S T A R R Busby
Harp: Caroline Bryan
Guitar: Ryan Ferreira
Violin: Josh Henderson
Viola: Jay Julio
Contrabass: Cameron Ralston
Cello: Wayne Smith
Keyboard: Curt Sydnor
Electronics: Zachary James Ritter
Conducting: David Dominique