Third Eye Theatre Ensemble to Stage SUMEIDA'S SONG This Fall

Third Eye Theatre Ensemble Announces Chicago Premiere of SUMEIDA'S SONG by Mohammed Fairouz October 23rd! Third Eye Theatre Ensemble unveils the Chicago premiere of SUMEIDA'S SONG by Mohammed Fairouz on October 23rd, 2015 at Prop Thtr. This Midwest premiere of Fairouz's inaugural opera features Eastern and Western musical influences described by the New York Times as, " ...the Arabic elements of his style-microtonal modes, spiraling dance rhythms, plaintive melodic writing -- give fresh, distinctive jolts to the Western Elements..."

Third Eye Theatre Ensemble is ushering in its second season with this 60-minute, four character opera that examines social justice on a global scale. Based on the Egyptian play Song of Death, this one act opera is the story of a woman seeking retribution for the murder of her husband. Asakir has waited 17 years for her son, Alwan, to avenge her husband's death. Alwan's university education causes him to question whether he can be a violent man. Now Alwan must decide if he will restore his family's honor and fulfill his mother's only wish.

Mohammed Fairouz adapted Tawfiq al-Hakim's Song of Death for opera in 2008. Born in 1985, Fairouz is one of the most frequently performed, commissioned, and recorded composers working today. Hailed by The New York Times as "an important new artistic voice" and by BBC World News as "one of the most talented composers of his generation," his large-scale works engage major geopolitical and philosophical themes with persuasive craft and a marked seriousness of purpose. Fairouz's cosmopolitan outlook reflects his transatlantic upbringing and extensive travels. By his early teens, the Arab-American composer had journeyed across five continents, immersing himself in the musical life of his surroundings.

Jason Carlson and Rose Freeman again join forces for artistic leadership of SUMEIDA'S SONG with Jason Carlson music directing and accompanying on piano. Jason is a collaborative pianist and coach at Northwestern University and principal coach for Castleton Music Festival. Rose Freeman is stage directing this production. Her directorial focus spans burlesque, found-space presentations and opera. Full cast list and biographies available upon request.

IF YOU GO:
SUMEIDA'S SONG
By Mohammed Fairouz
Music Direction by Jason Carlson, Staging Direction by Rose Freeman
Prop Thtr, 3502 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Opening October 23rd, running through November 8th:
Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm
Ticket prices General Admission: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, Student: $15
For tickets visit thirdeyete.org.

Third Eye Theatre Ensemble strives to champion operatic works that are seldom performed while advocating social change and providing Chicago's emerging artists with performance opportunities. For more information visit www.thirdeyete.org.