Ideas behind the Project
Going beyond traditional performance, Ritual of Breath is enriched by collective rituals that precede the performance in the weeks leading up to it. The creative team has partnered with cultural and advocacy organizations in Staten Island, Harlem, and throughout the five boroughs to create and adapt these community-driven activations. Learn more about our community activations >
Dance artists, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Trebien Pollard, talk about movement in the opera.
Neema Bickersteth, Soprano in The Ritual of Breath Is the Rite to Resist, shares her vision of circles of healing.
Bryan Joseph Lee, Producer, NYC Civic Partnerships & Activations, talks about the Ritual city-wide Community Activations.
Niegel Smith, Director of The Ritual of Breath Is the Rite to Resist, explores the meaning of breath.
Healing Rituals
As the Ritual of Breath was being developed, the creators worked with the community to develop seven rituals tied to the themes and seven movements of the opera. These rituals, including groundings and both personal and communal activations are offered in the days leading up to the performance. They are intended as offerings, adapted to each community where the work is shared.