(pray)
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| (pray) | |
|---|---|
_official_off-broadway_show_art.jpg) Show art for the 2023 Off-Broadway production. | |
| Music | S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis |
| Lyrics | S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis |
| Book | nicHi douglas |
| Productions | 2023 Off-Broadway |
(pray) is a musical with music and lyrics by S T A R R Busby and JJJJJerome Ellis, and book/direction by nicHi douglas. Described as a "choreopoem,"[1] the show is structured as a church service exploring themes of spirituality, trauma, joy and the Black experience. It premiered in 2023 Off-Broadway at Ars Nova in a co-production with National Black Theatre.[2]
A congregation gathers to explore the power of faith and spiritual legacy. Through a blend of music, movement, and communal ritual, the piece explores the emotional landscape of Black women across the African diaspora, from joy and celebration to questioning and struggle. Through a 17-part liturgy accompanied by piano,[3] the show draws inspiration from the energy of a Sunday Baptist service and filtering it through surreal, Afrofuturist imagery.[4]