Walt Whitman’s classic “Song of Myself” finds itself a soundtrack!
After finding much success last spring, theater troupe Compagnia de’ Colombari returns Sept. 8–11 to perform “More or Less I Am,” a musical rendition of Whitman’s timeless poem.
The musical will feature orginal compositions from Colin and Eric Jacobsen and music by the eclectic string ensemble, Brooklyn Rider.
“Song of Myself” was written just before the Civil War, when the nation was riven by regional tensions. The group chose “Song of Myself” because it believes that the poem is an “awakening of the American conscious,” challenging the audience’s perception of an American identity. It’s a powerful piece, that “addresses theatrically what it is to be American,” company founder Karin Coonrod said.
“Whitman’s declaration of interdependence is more relevant now than ever.” Coonrod added. “We hope to inspire audiences that even more powerful than our greatness as individuals is our greatness as a group.”
“More or Less I Am” at the Brooklyn Historical Society [128 Pierrepont St. between Henry and Clinton street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 222-4111], Sept. 10 at 2 pm; and at the Old Stone House [336 Third St. between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park Slope (718) 768-3195], Sept. 11, 3 pm.
