“We Shall Not Be Moved,” a hybrid opera that premiered in Philadelphia in 2017 through the efforts of Opera Philadelphia, was named by The New York Times as one of that year’s “Best Classical Performances.” The power of the story, which took its roots from the historical event “The Move Bombing,” a war against Black American activists which happened in Philadelphia in 1985, is made ever more compelling by the infusion of Hip Hop, spoken word poetry, jazz, classical singing and improvisatory themes.

The School of Music will host a virtual journey into the world of “We Shall Not Be Moved” through a week-long series from April 5-9, 2021. The project will feature a digital recreation of the hybrid opera “We Shall Not Be Moved,” followed by panel discussions, symposiums and masterclasses delivered by the cast and creatives of the original show including Daniel Bernard Roumain (composer), Marc Bamuthi Joseph, (poet and spoken word artist) and icon director and choreographer Bill T. Jones.

Many more artists will bring their expertise and talents to the table, helping students from around the USA to improve their own performance skill sets and abilities as they prepare for careers in the professional arts industry. Register here.

These events are free and available to the university community thanks to the NYU Tisch School of Arts, University of Wisconsin-Madison, East Carolina University School of Music and the Department and the Division of the Arts with funding from the Anonymous Fund.