Pieces of the Moon
A Radio Play
STAGES and ONE YEAR LEASE THEATER Company present Pieces of the Moon, a new stage play adapted to a radio play for live streaming
America in 1969 – a country fiercely divided, or a country unified in hope – which lens is yours?
Prepare to blast off on an exploration of two Americas told through the perspective of Gil Scott-Heron legendary poet, musician, and “godfather of rap.”
Pieces of the Moon is a theatrical jazz riff blending clashing economic and social priorities. It explores the rise of the Black Arts Movement alongside the Apollo 11 mission which landed the first person on the moon. Led by members of the original cast including Adesola Osakalumi from Fela! as Gil Scott-Heron.
Created to tour to regional theaters across the US that are seeking relevant, remote theatrical content that speaks to contemporary issues, the radio play version of Pieces of the Moon will be accompanied by a comprehensive educational packet. The intent is that the competing themes of racism, socio-economic priorities, the Black Arts Movement and scientific achievement can be deeply explored and discussed in relationship to the current social events occurring across America in 2020.
Pieces of the Moon’s world premiere was set for August 2020 at Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston, TX before the pandemic. When OYL and Stages had to indefinitely postpone the stage version, the two companies started looking into the possibility of creating an radio play version. While the intent is not to replace an ultimate staged version of the work, the show is uniquely suited to this expression as it is threaded with Gil Scott-Heron’s music and poetry as well as original transcripts from NASA’s 1969 Apollo 11 mission.
Also, don’t forget to check below for educational materials that accompany the show!