Generously sponsored in part by Karen Lefkowitz and Al Neyman.
Parable of the Sower is a triumphant, mesmerizing work of rare power and beauty that illuminates deep insights on gender, race, and the future of human civilization.
This fully-staged opera brings together over 30 original anthems drawn from 200 years of black music to recreate Butler’s sci-fi, Afrofuturist masterpiece live on stage.
With music and lyrics by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon, this compelling work gives life to Butler’s acclaimed science fiction novel of the same name.
Artwork by Justine Swindell
An unrepentantly political work of theater. Poignant and cautionary, this blues, gospel and funk-inflected work argues that if we want to avoid this future we’ll need diversity, strength and a song or two.
Parable of the Sower takes place in a not-so-distant America where violence, greed, and disregard for the planet’s resources collide with the 21st century’s climate crisis, driving society to the brink of extinction.
After losing her family and home, Lauren Oya Olamina ventures out into the
unknown. What begins as a desperate fight for survival leads to something more profound: a startling vision of human destiny that births the seeds of a new belief system.
Toshi Reagon, credit Reed Hutchinson
Fierce and uncompromising...a shower of retro funk, urban blues, and folk...Toshi Reagon is at the top of her game as a composer and singer.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Toshi Reagon
Bernice Johnson Reagon
Eric Ting & Signe V. Harriday
Octavia E. Butler
Parable of the Sower is part of Strathmore’s Windows series.
Go Deeper with Parable of the Sower
Tuesday, April 5
Octavia Butler's Parables: A Welcome and Orientation
Join Alexis Pauline Gumbs for an exploration of Butler’s overall oeuvre and legacy, as well as the books’ themes and their context in black feminism and Afrofuturism.
RSVP
Thursday, April 28
The Parable Effect
How Black Feminist Art & Afrofuturism Influence Social Change—Aishah Shahidah Simmons and Michelle Parkerson in conversation
RSVP
Friday, April 29
When Goddesses Change
Listening for an Ancestral Octavia—Lecture with Alexis Pauline Gumbs
RSVP
Friday, April 29
Post Show Talk
Ticket holders are welcome to stay after the performance for a brief conversation with Toshi Reagon and writer and activist adrienne maree brown, author Emergent Strategies.
Dive Deeper Parable of the Sower Resources
Follow your curiosity through our curated list of resources to gain more in-depth understanding of both the literary and stage versions of the Parable stories, and the artists behind them.
Photo Credit: Reed Hutchinson
Dive Deeper Parable of the Sower Resources
Follow your curiosity through our curated list of resources to gain more in-depth understanding of both the literary and stage versions of the Parable stories, and the artists behind them.
Photo Credit: Reed Hutchinson
Plan Your Visit
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