In case you were wondering as I was, an oratorio is pretty similar to an opera in its use of a choir, soloists, and character ensembles, but unlike an opera, there’s no scenery, costumes, or action. An oratorio is basically made up of large scale musical compositions that explain the story or subject, usually taking on religious or sacred subject matter.
THIS oratorio, “From the Fire,” composed by Tony-nominated Elizabeth Swados and conceived and directed by Cecilia Rubino, is based on the infamous 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire that took the lives of 146 immigrant working girls and sparked so much change. The oratorio will tackle things such as the uprising of the 20,000 aka the first major strike by U.S. women, and the city’s dramatic response. There will be special five-day run to coincide with the 100 anniversary of the original fire in 1911.
The performances will be Wednesday, March 23rd- Saturday, March 26th at 7:30, with an additional performance Sunday, March 27th at 6:00pm. It’ll take place at the Judson Memorial Chuch (55 Washington Square S.) in New York City, blocks away from the building in which the actual fire occurred.
Tickets on sale now: $15 general admission and $5 students. Reservations and inquiries can be made by emailing boxoffice@newschool.edu or calling 212-229-5488.
