“The Seeing”, produced through a creative partnership between FirstWorks and WaterFire Providence, is a month-long video exhibition of six film works scored by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR). The films are all related to our willingness to hear, understand, and love one another. The exhibition explores the question: “Can we see each other?”

On Thursday, January 20, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Roumain will be present to greet attendees during “The Seeing” exhibition’s opening reception.

He will lead a half-hour Town Hall conversation which FirstWorks will be livestream on Facebook from 7:30-8:00 p.m.

Attendees of the opening reception must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 with a photo ID.

Masks are required for all WFAC visitors.

Entry to the video exhibition is free for all.

Gallery Hours:

Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

“The Seeing” includes the following film works:

“THEY STILL WANT TO KILL US”

Composed and performed by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Mezzo-soprano: J’Nai Bridges; Directed and edited by Yoram Savion; Director of photography: Sam Wolff; Produced by Sozo.

“I HAVE NOTHING TO DO EXCEPT LOVE”

Composed by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Libretto, vocals, and piano by Minna Choi; Directed, edited, and libretto by Dana Greenfield; with words from Simone Roumain; Cinematography by Sam Wolff; Dance and choreography by Sarah Bolander; Project management by Sozo Artists. Commissioned, developed, and produced by PROTOTYPE: Opera | Theatre | Now.

“ABOUT FACE”

Spoken word poetry by Marc Bamuthi Joseph; Score by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Performed and choreographed by Drew Dollaz; Directed, filmed, and edited by Yoram Savion; Produced by Rika Iino and Melissa Higgins | Sozo.

“FEAR”

Directed by Yoram Savion; Spoken word poetry by Marc Bamuthi Joseph; Score by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Director of photography: Gabrielle Blackwood; Produced by Rika Iino, Melissa Higgins, and Yoram Savion | Sozo.

“REQUIEM, FOR THE LIVING, IN COLOR”

Score by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Film by Steer (Steerforward.com); Produced by FirstWorks, premiered at PVDFest 2020.

“OUR COUNTRY”

Score by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR); Performed and Choreographed by Drew Dollaz; Film by Steer (Steerforward.com); Cinematography by Sam Wolff; Produced by FirstWorks.

NEW DATE FOR RELATED EVENT:

“The Telling” is an extraordinary multimedia performance by renowned composer, violinist, and activist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR). Originally scheduled for Saturday, January 22, this live performance is rescheduled to Thursday, September 29, 2022, to open FirstWorks’ fall season. The producers have prioritized the health of audience members and artists during the current high community transmission of COVID-19 while affirming the healing power of the arts. Visit firstworks.org for details.

Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR)

Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) is a prolific and endlessly collaborative composer, performer, and activist. “About as omnivorous as a contemporary artist gets” (New York Times), DBR has worked with artists from Philip Glass to Bill T. Jones to Lady Gaga; appeared on NPR, American Idol, and ESPN; and has collaborated with the Sydney Opera House and served for two years as FirstWorks Artistic Ambassador. Acclaimed as a violinist and activist, DBR’s career spans more than two decades, earning commissions by venerable artists and institutions worldwide. Known for his signature violin sounds infused with myriad electronic, urban, and African-American music influences, he has composed chamber, orchestral, and operatic works and created large-scale, site-specific musical events for public spaces.

About FirstWorks

FirstWorks is a non-profit based in Providence, Rhode Island whose purpose is to build the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of its community by engaging diverse audiences with world-class performing arts and education programs. Since 2004, FirstWorks festivals, performances, and programs have attracted more than 600,000 participants. Last season, FirstWorks arts education programs reached over 5,500 students from public and charter schools across Rhode Island with transformative, arts-based learning experiences. FirstWorks is the founding partner of PVDFest, collaborating with the City of Providence to produce the City’s free signature arts celebration since 2015. In 2019 PVDFest drew 130,000 visitors to Providence to experience music, art, and spectacular performances. Embracing collaboration, FirstWorks has fostered over 90 community partnerships across business, social service, government, arts, and education sectors. Visit http://first-works.org to learn more.