Join us for an introduction to a multi-part engagement with interdisciplinary artists Malik Gaines and Alexandro Segade. STAR CHOIR, Phase 1: Dialogue puts Gaines and Segade in conversation with Samuel Delany, Pamela Gay and Anjuli Fatima Raza Kolb to discuss space travel, exoplanetary colonization and the life spans of stars.

In a time when Earth is no longer habitable, a band of humans attempt to colonize Planet 85K: Aurora. A performance for six voices, six instruments, and animated video scenography, STAR CHOIR explores a world occupied by an intelligence invisible to humans. Inspired in part by the science-fiction of Octavia Butler, Ursula K. Le Guin and Samuel Delany, the performance will develop over the course of the year in conversation with scholars, artists, and audiences, creating a new work of art from multidisciplinary contemplation.

Co-directed by Malik Gaines & Alexandro Segade. Score by Malik Gaines. Libretto and art directions by Alexandro Segade.

ARTIST'S STUDIO: While so much of the world has slowed down to a half in response to COVID-19, artists have not ceased to create meaning out of these most unusual circumstances. The Williams community will meet and converse with artists and scholars, following their continued creativity in their studios. Over the course of the academic year, new performances will be created in conversation with guest speakers, faculty, and students.

STAR CHOIR, Phase 2: Process
February 26, 2021

STAR CHOIR, Phase 3: Performance
April 8, 2021

STAR CHOIR has been supported through residencies and development at the Headlands Center for the Arts, the Park Avenue Armory, and Clockshop LA.