Vocalist, composer, and writer Somi forges new ground with this experimental short film exploring the spiritual consequence of the global pandemic on creative practice. Partially narrated by Somi’s mother, this meditative film blends spoken word, art song, and movement with deconstructed concert recordings from Somi’s new live album. The piece aims to frame the disruption of otherwise quieted cultural spaces as a larger metaphor for the work most American arts institutions still need to do in service of Black storytelling.

Co-presented by Baryshnikov Arts Center, Krannert Center, and ArtsEmerson, in partnership with National Black Theatre and Salon Africana.

This free, virtual first look at in the absence of things will be followed by a conversation with Somi; the director of the film, Mariona Lloreta; and Obie Award-winning Artistic Director of New York City’s National Black Theatre (NBT) Jonathan McCrory to discuss the meaning of the film, the collaborators’ creative process, and the role of Black artists during and beyond COVID-19.

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