Composer Matthew Aucoin makes his BAM debut with Crossing—a chamber opera taking inspiration from Walt Whitman’s Civil War diary, directed by American Repertory Theater artistic director Diane Paulus. Context is everything, so get even closer to the production with this curated selection of related articles and videos. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #BAMNextWave.
Illustrator Nathan Gelgud portrays the beginning of Whitman’s landmark poem. Written years before the events depicted in Crossing, this source text was seminal to Aucoin’s process of imagining Whitman for the stage.
Yale professor Wai Chee Dimock offers an in-depth look at Crossing and the many ways it renders Walt Whitman’s reality.
Article
Diane Paulus (Time)
In this 100 Most Influential People profile, Tony Award-winning actress Audra McDonald characterizes the Crossing director’s creative spirit.
Article
A Far Cry at 10: nourishing one another through music and more (The Boston Globe)
A look at how the Boston-based chamber orchestra and Crossing performing ensemble’s collective ethos and “DIY backbone” carries through to their rehearsal process.
Article
Diane Paulus (Time)
In this 100 Most Influential People profile, Tony Award-winning actress Audra McDonald characterizes the Crossing director’s creative spirit.
Article
A Far Cry at 10: nourishing one another through music and more (The Boston Globe)
A look at how the Boston-based chamber orchestra and Crossing performing ensemble’s collective ethos and “DIY backbone” carries through to their rehearsal process.
Watch & Listen
Crossing: A Lecture/Recital With Matthew Aucoin (YouTube)
The rising wunderkind gives an enriching lecture, elucidating the origins of his new opera and sharing of his investigation into Walt Whitman’s body of work.
Audio
A 25-Year-Old Opera Composer Who Does It All (NPR)
All Things Considered covers the rise of Aucoin, with director Diane Paulus and Crossing baritone Rod Gilfry sharing their impressions of the young composer.
The rising wunderkind gives an enriching lecture, elucidating the origins of his new opera and sharing of his investigation into Walt Whitman’s body of work.
Audio
A 25-Year-Old Opera Composer Who Does It All (NPR)
All Things Considered covers the rise of Aucoin, with director Diane Paulus and Crossing baritone Rod Gilfry sharing their impressions of the young composer.
Now your turn...
How did you enjoy the show? Likes? Dislikes? Surprises? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #BAMNextWave.