In Context: Billy Budd

Photo: Richard Hubert Smith

Billy Budd runs at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House from February 7—13. Context is everything, so get even closer to Glyndebourne Festival Opera's spectacular production with this curated selection of articles, videos, and original blog pieces related to the show. For those of you who've already seen it, help us keep the conversation going by telling us what you thought below.

Et ego, Brute.

"Et tu, Brute?"
Paterson Joseph, who plays Marcus Brutus, and the cast of Julius Caesar. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

To kick-off our event-filled month of April, we welcomed the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Company back to the BAM stage with its much anticipated production of Julius Caesar. This vibrant production is directed by Gregory Doran with an African inspired set and features an all black cast, including a chorus of community members. 

Sir Patrick Stewart, who was in the first RSC production to come to BAM in 1971, A Midsummer Night's Dream, with Gregory Doran, artistic director of the RSC and director of Julius Caesar. (Photo: Elena Olivo)

BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins and Executive Producer Joseph V. Melillo spoke at the event, welcoming the company and patrons. Laura Egodigwe from Bank of America, Gregory Doran, and Catherine Mallyon, executive producer of the Royal Shakespeare Company spoke at the party as well. Among the many guests in attendance, was long-time BAM supporter, actor, and friend Sir Patrick Stewart.

Read on for more about the Opening Night Reception and for more information about our many upcoming events!

BAM Scene: 30 Next Wave Gala

Sir Patrick Stewart, Sunny Ozell, and Wynton Marsalis at the 30 Next Wave Gala dinner (Photo: Elena Olivo)

Last week, BAM and Garth Fagan Dance came together to celebrate two cultural milestones: the 30th edition of the BAM Next Wave Festival and the 40th anniversary of Garth Fagan Dance. The evening also included a cocktail reception hosted by the Mikhail Prokhorov Fund where we unveiled a new three-year partnership: TransCultural Express: American and Russian Arts Today which promotes cultural exchange between American and Russian artists and audiences. The gala attracted a range of prominent cultural figures including Brooklyn Nets head coach Avery Johnson, Sir Patrick Stewart, Philip Glass, Anna Kendrick, and of course the night's featured jazz legend, Wynton Marsalis. 

Read on for highlights from the event including some of our favorite photos.

Full Event Albums can be found here and here.