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A Black girl, with an Afro, holds up her fist in a spotlight.

GoldGrrl (performer) in water riot in beta 2022 songbook performance | photo by Jeremy Lawson

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Grant Recipient

Derek Lee McPhatter & the water riot ensemble

GoldGrrl (performer) in water riot in beta 2022 songbook performance | photo by Jeremy Lawson

Location
Chicago, IL
Project Title
water riot: a cyber punk rock opera
Fiscal Year Awarded
2025

Set in a near future Chicagoland, water riot follows an unlikely coalition of black activists, challenging an A.I. police state by staging a protest against the privatization of Lake Michigan. It features four primary performers and a live band. The story explores different perspectives on movement-building as the characters find inspiration in Black Lives Matter, Standing Rock, Occupy Wall Street and other moments of social activism. The music builds on the under-acknowledged legacy of Black voices at the foundation of rock, punk, and experimental music. The audience becomes an active participant in the experience as our characters use storytelling/confessional, call and response, movement and other techniques to “rally” a crowd. The show brings audiences along a collective emotional reflection on climate change - moving from anger and despair towards determination / resilience / hope.

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