The Black Clown

2018 — for Bass-Baritone, Chorus, and Theater Orchestra (~75′)

LIBRETTO

Adapted from the Langston Hughes poem by
Davóne Tines and Michael Schachter

INSTRUMENTATION

3 Reeds (flutes, clarinets, saxophones); 2 Trumpets, 1 Trombone; Tuba/Bass; Piano, Banjo, Drum Set/Percussion; Solo Bass-Baritone; SATB Chorus

PERUSAL SCORE

Available by request only (see CONTACT page).

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NOTES

The Black Clown is a music-theatrical experience that fuses vaudeville, gospel, opera, jazz, and spirituals to bring Langston Hughes’ searing verse to life onstage and animate a Black man’s resilience against a legacy of oppression.

For more background into the genesis and mission of the work:
A Multitude of Voices — Davóne Tines and Michael Schachter in conversation with Ryan McKittrick.

PREMIERE

World Premiere: August-September, 2018
Loeb Mainstage, Cambridge, MA
American Repertory Theater
Davóne Tines (The Black Clown)
Zack Winokur, director
Jaret Landon, music director
Chanel DaSilva, choreographer
John Torres, lighting
Carlos Soto, costumes and set design
Kai Harada, sound design

New York Premiere: July 24-27, 2019
Gerald W. Lynch Auditorium, Lincoln Center
New York, New York
Davóne Tines (The Black Clown)
Zack Winokur, director
Jaret Landon, music director
Chanel DaSilva, choreographer
John Torres, lighting
Carlos Soto, costumes and set design
Kai Harada, sound design