WEATHER
a dramatic oratorio

composed and directed by Elizabeth Swados

a project realized with Associazione Bisse

arrangements and music direction Claudio Scarabottini

texts Filippo Consales

translations and coordination Andrea Sensidoni

"Liz Swados is a visionary whose formidable talents extend from her musical genius and beyond into a world changing socio-spiritual realm which has been an edifying force for several generations of artists…"

Justin Bond, American singer-songwriter

"Liz makes theater that matters; her fierce optimism that the world can be changed, by kids and by art, infuses all her work."

Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director, The Public Theater

A full vocal and instrumental piece, especially created by Elizabeth Swados, a huge variety of stories, scientific descriptions, first person narratives, newscasts and mythological descriptions that have to do with all manner of storms, destruction, growth and beauty. Voices will depict the sounds of different weathers, intertwining music and rhythms with poetry and short prose. WEATHER is as funny as it can be frightening or tragic.

Elizabeth Swados will develop this project during a residence at La MaMa Umbria, involving a group of more than 50 young people from the area, including singers and musicians. The initiative is a collaboration with the Youth Association Bisse, directed by Claudio Scarabottini, which in recent years has distinguished itself for a great aggregation ability, realizing music and theatre projects with professional artists, giving a strong boost to creativity and dynamism to the cultural life of Spoleto.

Internationally recognized composer, writer and director. Her shows were presented in Broadway and off-Broadway theaters, at La MaMa, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Carnegie Hall, Public Theatre and in numerous theaters and festivals around the world.

Elizabert Swados is the creator of Runaways, Fragments of a Greek Trilogy, along with director Andrei Serban, Alice at the Palace with Meryl Streep and Groundhog optioned by Milos Forman to make a film. Recent productions include Kaspar Hauser: foundling ’s opera presented at the Flea Theater in New York, Atonement, a theatrical oratorio presented to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, an adaptation of The Dybbuq for New York University, Spider Operas at PS122 with famous company Mabou Mines, and Political Subversities a sort of political cabaret presented at the Public Theatre in New York.

She also wrote and published several novels, non-fiction books, children’s books and poetry. Has received numerous awards throughout her 30 years of career: five Tony nominations, three Obie Awards, a Guggenheim Fellowship, Ford Grant, Helen Hayes Award, Lila Acheson Wallace Grant, PEN Citation, and others.