Baryshnikov Arts commissions the world premiere of Woolgathering, an evening-length
spoken word opera directed and composed by Oliver Tompkins Ray, based upon singer-songwriter and author Patti Smith’s book, Woolgathering. As a longtime artistic
collaborator of Smith’s, Ray is joined by John Heginbotham, who will develop a
choreographic vision and language that inspirit the natural and supernatural worlds of
Woolgathering, a meditation on memory, childhood, and imagination. Smith’s words will
enliven and amplify the setting, music, and dance. The work will feature Patti Smith
(voice), Cornelius Dufallo (violin), Connor Gallaher (pedal steel/guitar), and Oliver
Tompkins Ray (guitar and electronics), as well as Gerald Casel and Mykel Marai Nairne of
Dance Heginbotham. The production includes lighting design by Thomas Dunn, sound
design by Chris Mclaughlin, and costumes by Maile Okamura.