About

STIRRING THE WATERS ACROSS AMERICA is a 90-minute multimedia concert production highlighting key events of the Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968, making vital connections between then and now. Conceived by American composer Nolan Williams, Jr. and directed by Eric Ruffin, STIRRING THE WATERS is one of the first works to be developed at The Kennedy Center's expansion facility, The REACH. The production commenced touring in February 2020 but was halted thereafter by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Produced by NEWorks Productions and Edgewood.

Press & Reviews

The Washington Informer

A Civil Rights Journey with 'Stirring the Waters Across America': Stories Told Through Song, Dance and Historical Readings

By Brenda C. Siler | October 30, 2019

Electrifying. Awakening. These are words to describe the heart-rending workshop presentation of Stirring the Waters Across America performed at Studio K at The REACH. To call it anything less would be just plain wrong.

The Washington Informer

‘Stirring the Waters Across America’ at The REACH is a powerful musical exploration of resistance to racism

By David Siegel | October 29, 2019

‘Stirring the Waters Across America’ at The REACH is a powerful musical exploration of resistance to racism

By David Siegel | October 29, 2019

Though the workshop for “Stirring the Waters Across America” was for evaluating and tweaking, similar to previews for plays or musicals going to Broadway, it’s difficult to see what more needs to be done to perfect “Stirring the Waters.” Williams said they are still experimenting with the production. It feels just right — right now.

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The Washington Informer

The Washington Post

A D.C. Composer channels his social conscience into art

By Michael J. West | October 22, 2019

“In many ways conversation can be very threatening, in how we approach our tone and what we have to say,” he says. “But music has a way of provoking thought, provoking reflection and challenging social norms in ways that aren’t immediately threatening.”

Residency & Workshop @ The Kennedy Center REACH

In 2019, American composer Nolan WIlliams, Jr. was named a Social Impact Resident at The Kennedy Center REACH. Williams selected STIRRING THE WATERS ACROSS AMERICA as the focal project for his residency, recruiting a creative team, launching a national casting call—with auditions held at The Center in July 2019—and, ultimately, mounting a workshop performance and community talkback in Studio J at The REACH on October 27, 2019.

An open rehearsal of the project was also a featured event for The REACH Opening Festival on September 7, 2019.

Check out these images from the residency, open rehearsal, workshop performance and talkback. PHOTO CREDIT: Jermoni Dowd, courtesy of NEWorks Productions

About

"Electrifying. Awakening. ...Exquisitely bold and utterly holy." -D.C. Metro Theatre Arts

Press & Reviews

The Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

D.C. Metro Theatre Arts

The Washington Informer

The Washington Informer

The Washington Post

The Washington Informer

The Washington Post

"I Have A Right To Vote"

The National Tour

February 2020 kickoff in Nashville, TN at Vanderbilt University

Residency & Workshop @ The Kennedy Center REACH

"...It’s difficult to see what more needs to be done to perfect [it] -The Washington Informer

Creative Team

Produced by NEWorks Productions & Edgewood

National Touring Company

Special Acknowledgement

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