COPLAND & TWAIN

An American 250 Celebration

Will the United States grow from its wounds
to develop a deeper love for our neighbors? 

Or will we let our scars tear us asunder?

A new theatrical concert from Bill Barclay and Concert Theatre Works marrying Aaron Copland’s stirring incidental music with Mark Twain’s poignant observations of a changing America.

Five ethnically diverse actors perform in costume in front of full orchestra, with projections. 

Music

Featuring Copland’s Music for Movies and Music for Theatre newly adapted with actors 

Text

Mark Twain’s Diaries of Adam and Eve form a through-line with observations from dozens of apocryphal stories, speeches, and articles from America’s greatest humourist. 

The combinative voices of these two critical pillars of American identity soothe the polarizing questions vexing our body politic today with majesty, tolerance, wisdom, and humour. 

Music by Aaron Copland


adapted by Bill Barclay

five actors
costumes, furniture, lights

Two versions:
full orchestra
chamber orchestra

100 minutes

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