Village Verein Presents: The Soldier's Tale.

July 27, 28, and 29th 2023 at The Alchemical Theater
July 31st at The Tank Theatre

Over the summer of 2023, Village Verein conceieved a new, innovative production of Igor Stravinsky's 1918 orchestral-theatrical work "The Soldier's Tale." at The Alchemical Theater. Designed by Stravisnky to be "read, played and danced," "The Soldier's Tale" tells a timeless story of temptation, deceit, and the choice between a promise of riches over a lifetime of love.

Verein's new production, spearheaded by seasoned theatremaker Curtis Howard , featured a tight-knit seven-person on-stage orchestra and actors who simultaneously acted, danced, and shadow-puppeteered the work's plot. Verein's production also featured a new English translation completed by myself and Maestro Osman from the origninal French libretto.

I designed our work's set to be constructed of reclaimed waste from the textile industry, practicing values of sustainibility in the performing arts that I preached. Carlo Altomare , Artistic Director of the Alchemical, served as a creative consultant for the piece helping construct the shadow-play featured in our production. Lighting was beautifully designed by Sarah Woods

Our initial three night run at The Alchemical Theatre was compeltely sold out. The production was invited to transfer to The Tank Theatre in Midtown Manhattan for a one-night-only run, opening the Tank's Trash/DarkFest, an annual festival featuring non-traditional works highlighting sustianibility and environmental consciousness.

Verein's "Soldier's Tale" was brought to life by so many creatives. Musically, I extend my thanks to Dylan James , Youngwoo Jeon, Sanford Schwartz , Tylor Thomas , Dominic Sinicrope , Evan Chilcote, Matteo Paoli, Tasha Becker , John Tadlock , Yeji Pyun, Momoko Uchida , Connor Sondergeld , and Ethan for bringing Stravinsky' musical world to life. On the theatrical side, the performances of Curtis Howard as "the Soldier," Bereket Mengistu as "the Devil," and William Vosseler as "the Narrator" will stick with me forever.

The full "Soldier's Tale" program can be accessed here.