New York City-based Bandits Roost Entertainment has partnered with Giuvlipen Theater Company and The National University of Theatre and Film in Bucharest, Romania to present a workshop and staged reading of new musical Roam December 13. Featuring music and lyrics by Alexander Sage Oyen and book by Michael Dovid with additional book by Romana Isabella, the “contemporary fortune tale,” follows leading Romani characters through a story which captures Romani experiences and Romani culture.
Giuvlipen has coordinated with Bucharest-based feminist Roma Theatre Company on the workshop, with Giuvlipen's Mihaela Dragan directing the staged reading performance at the National University of Theatre and Film and ArtHub Bucharest.
“Having an opportunity to work a score with so much vibrancy and diversity of sound has been an absolute dream come true for me,” said Oyen. “I’m immensely proud and beyond excited to collaborate with awe-inspiring Roma musicians.”
The Romani, sometimes colloquially referred to as Roma, are a nomadic ethnic group with significant populations in Europe, western Asia, the United States, and Brazil.
“While Roma artists have produced contemporary art that represents our community in Europe," said Dragan, "the Roma experience is still too invisible in America and it is incumbent on us to educate audiences about our rich culture and oppressive history.” Dovid added, “Our goal was to create an authentic, representative, and exhilarating theatrical experience that is both specific and meaningful for the Romani community., and universal and impactful in its appeal and effect."
This workshop is produced by Bandits Roost Entertainment, Giuvlipen Theater Company, and in association with Bridget Elise Yingling.
