devising Original music

Play is an essential ingredient in theater and yet actors and artists are forever tangled in the red tape of directors' visions. I believe in implementing horizontal hierarchy in art and utilizing devised theater practices to bring back play and improvisation to the rehearsal room. In The Death of Midas, the cast devised an entirely original sound and musical score. Anderson set some guidelines for lyrics, and I provided situational, visual, and physical prompts to inspire music box sessions. Building a song from scratch with thirteen other musicians is a daunting task fraught with opportunities for spectacular clashing. As music director, my job was to be an outside ear that molded the songs and soundscapes to align with the text. Music box allowed my cast to play to their strengths as vocalists, percussionists, or whistlers. Representation in production and on stage must go beyond hiring the right demographic. I provided my actors with the opportunity to significantly contribute their visions of the show to its final conception.

"[Fernandez] is a fierce leader. She built a rehearsal structure that allowed for work to flow smoothly and progress to come quickly while respecting and accommodating to the needs of the cast and crew. During the rehearsal process, she guided each member of the team in a direction that aligned with their strengths while serving her and Owen's vision of the piece. Her dedication to mutual respect, clear communication, and efficient work created an environment where I could freely and safely explore artistic choices."

-ANONYMOUS ACTOR

"Graciela was my greatest champion throughout the entire world premiere of The Death of Midas. Graciela was there in the early days of writing the script, so when the time came to find a Director, there was no question who I would ask. She respected my choices in the script, and lifted the play beyond what I had imagined with her own vision, including dance, musicality, and puppetry. Bravely, she worked with me as both a playwright and an actor, which she navigated by setting healthy boundaries and clear communication. I look forward to working with her again."
-OWEN ANDERSON (PLAYWRIGHT & ACTOR)

King Midas,Gilded
KARAH INNIS
Sinner, Talking Head
GABY CASTILLO
Sinner, Preacher
LIZ HAWK
Sinner, Reporter
PETER FRAY-WITZER
Prince Midas, President
PUCK HARTSOUGH

Mother, Starlight
MAI HOANG
River/Wildfire
MAC MCKINZIE
BELLE PFLANZ
KENDRA DWYER
Politician, Comedian
OWEN ANDERSON
KATE HEFFERNAN
Revolutionary
TSELI MATHEBULA

Cast

Assistant Director
KAT CHRISTIE-MIZELL
Music Director
GRACIELA FERNANDEZ
Stage Manager
ANI ADELL
Assistant Stage Manager
LORETTA WILSON
Set Designer
LAUREN O'HEAR
Lighting/Sound Designer
LUCAS DRAPER
Props Designer
RACHEL KESSLER-WEINSTEIN
Costume Designer
GRACIELA FERNANDEZ

Creative

Publicity

Photos
MAX MANKO
Poster Art
LAUREN O'HEAR