Composer Ted Hearne confronts the inequities of urban gentrification head-on in Place, an oratorio created in collaboration with director Patricia McGregor and librettist Saul Williams. The semi-staged secular oratorio—a finalist for the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in Music, seen here in its West Coast premiere—features six vocalists and an 18-member ensemble that blends the energy of rock, pop, and electronic music with acoustic orchestral sonorities. The first part of the libretto is a collage of Hearne’s own writings and autobiographical reflections, which are placed in conversation with—and overtly challenged by—Williams’ text in the second half, which addresses displacement through the lens of history, social justice issues, and critical race theory.
Special Note: a post-performance conversation with the artists, moderated by producer Beth Morrison, will take place on stage; free to all ticket holders.
This event is part of Cal Performances’ Illuminations: “Place and Displacement” programming for the 2021–22 season.
PHOTO 1
Caption: Cal Performances presents the West Coast premiere of Ted Hearne and Saul Williams’ Place on Saturday, March 12, 2022 as part of Cal Performances' Illuminations: “Place and Displacement” series.
(credit: Courtesy of Ted Hearne)
PHOTO 2
Caption: Cal Performances presents the West Coast premiere of Ted Hearne and Saul Williams’ Place on Saturday, March 12, 2022 as part of Cal Performances' Illuminations: “Place and Displacement” series.
Pictured: Saul Williams
Pictured: Saul Williams
(credit: Georgie Wood)
PHOTO 3
Caption: Cal Performances presents the West Coast premiere of Ted Hearne and Saul Williams’ Place on Saturday, March 12, 2022 as part of Cal Performances' Illuminations: “Place and Displacement” series.
Pictured: Ted Hearne
Pictured: Ted Hearne
(credit: Jen Rosenstein)
PHOTO 4
Caption: Cal Performances presents the West Coast premiere of Ted Hearne and Saul Williams’ Place on Saturday, March 12, 2022 as part of Cal Performances' Illuminations: “Place and Displacement” series.
Pictured: Patricia McGregor
Pictured: Patricia McGregor
(credit: Matt Holiday)
