A.R.T. Hears Philip Glass-David Henry Hwang World Premiere Sound of a Voice, May 24-June 29

By Ernio Hernandez
24 May 2003

Cambridge's American Repertory Theatre presents the world premiere of a music theatre piece The Sound of a Voice featuring the words of David Henry Hwang and the music of Philip Glass. The new work plays May 24-June 29 at the Massachusetts stage.

Inspired by Japanese ghost stories, The Sound of a Voice delves into the dreams and fantasies of a Japanese writer and an aging warrior and explores how one's voice can be the remedy for isolation. The A.R.T. production reunites Hwang and Glass, who have previously collaborated on 1000 Airplanes on the Roof and The Voyage.

A.R.T. artistic director Robert Woodruff directs a cast that includes Herbert Perry, Eugene Perry, Janice Felty and Suzan Hanson. Alan Johnson serves as music director and conductor with Doug Elkins handling fight direction. The design team includes Robert Israel (set), Kasia Walicka Maimone (costume), Beverly Emmons (lighting) and David Remedios (sound).

Composer Glass is known for his works in opera, theatre, dance and film. Among his works include the operas Einstein on the Beach, The Fall of the House of Usher and Orphée. He has also scored such films as "The Hours," "Kundun," and "The Truman Show."

Hwang has worked as a playwright, screenwriter and librettist. His works include the plays M. Butterfly and Golden Child, the musicals Aida and Flower Drum Song and the films "Golden Gate" and "Possession."

For tickets to The Sound of a Voice at A.R.T.'s Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA call (617) 547-8300. For more information, visit www.amrep.org.