safronia

For two performances only, Lyric presents a world premiere musical work from Chicago’s first-ever poet laureate, the celebrated interdisciplinary artist avery r. young.

Triumph and tragedy converge in this universal yet personal story of the Great Migration. This Afro-surrealist tale is told through the eyes of the Booker family, who return from the northern U.S. to their Southern hometown after five years of banishment to bury their patriarch.

First conceived following young’s groundbreaking collaboration with Lyric around Twilight: Gods in 2021, safronia marries folklore, poetry, and history, with music inspired by gospel, blues, funk, and soul. This visually immersive, concert-style performance continues Lyric’s commitment to presenting art that reflects our city and our stories.

Language: Sung in English
Composer and Librettist: avery r. young
Director: Timothy Douglas