Lauren Whitehead, a New York-based poet, librettist, singer and playwright, will present “The Sound of What You Say,” a one-woman demonstration of the power and the intrinsic music of the spoken word at The Sembrich on Saturday, September 13.
The event is a unique collaboration between The Sembrich, where classical and world music are performed regularly throughout the summer, and the Adirondack Center for Writing, the Saranac Lake-based non-profit supporting writers and writing, readers and reading, throughout the Adirondack Park.
It is the first time the two organizations have collaborated and one of the few Adirondack Center for Writing-sponsored events to be held in the Lake George region in recent years.
“The Adirondack Center for Writing partners with organizations all over the region; it is part of our DNA,” said Nathalie Thill, ACW’s Executive Director. “We’ve never worked with The Sembrich before, although our two organizations seem like a natural fit.”
“ACW loved the idea of a collaboration with The Sembrich because we’re always open to forming partnerships that will expand awareness of our programs and work throughout the region, especially in the Southern Adirondacks,” said Doug Deneen, the writer and a former owner of Bolton Landing’s Trees bookshop and who serves on ACW’s board of directors.
A Sembrich supporter as well, Deneen is largely responsible for bringing the two organizations together to host Lauren Whitehead.
“Ginny Britt, The Sembrich’s Administrative Director, reached out to us for ideas about how to utilize The Sembrich’s beautiful venue and grounds after its season of performances and programs has come to an end but the weather is still nice. Lauren Whitehead immediately came to mind as a good fit for this project. I’ve experienced first-hand her compelling storytelling skills at public readings, and I’ve long been aware of her cross-disciplinary background, working with contemporary operas, the choreographer Bill T. Jones, and the writer Ta-Nehisi Coates.”
Richard Wargo, The Sembrich’s Artistic Director, said that he looks forward to experiencing “the contemporary perspective that Lauren Whitehead brings to the topics of language and rhythm – essential elements that we deal with on a daily basis in opera and song.”
Currently an Assistant Arts Professor at Tisch Drama, NYU’s undergraduate theater program, Whitehead is a dramaturg with an MFA from Columbia University who has staged works at the Apollo Theater in New York and at the Kennedy Center in Washington. As a performer, she originated the lead role of “Un/Sung” in the opera “We Shall Not Be Moved,” which she performed at the Apollo, the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia and at the Stadsschouwburg Theater in Amsterdam under the direction of Bill T. Jones. For the past 15 years, Whitehead has taught creative writing workshops around the country, the Adirondacks included.
“ACW has worked with Lauren Whitehead for years,” said Nathalie Thill. “The audience at The Sembrich will be spellbound by her thoughtful, heartfelt, and inspiring performance. There is no one better than Lauren.”
“The Sembrich has a long history of writers, musicians and artists taking inspiration from the beautiful setting. I’m excited to see how it will inspire Lauren,” said Ginny Britt.
Whitehead’s performance starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased through thesembrich.org.
