HILMA
A NEW OPERA, written by Kate Scelsa, composed by Robert M. Johansen
The Wilma Theater Summer 2023
The early 20th century queer mystic and artist Hilma af Klint channeled hundreds of paintings through messages from otherworldly forces, hoping to communicate the mysteries of the universe. Only recently rediscovered and hailed as one of the first-ever abstract artists, she worked in obscurity during a time that was not yet ready to receive her message. This contemporary opera – with a score that mixes genres including opera, rock, pop, and musical theater– wrestles with the hubris and humility that fueled one woman’s spiritual quest.
Cast- Brett Ashley Robinson, Sarah Glicko, Kristin Sieh, J Moliere, Evan Spigelman, and Robert M. Johansen
Scenic design- Kristin Robinson
Lighting design- Oona Curley
Costume design- Maiko Matsushima
Sound design- Chris Sannino
Dramaturgy- Jackie Tileston
Photo credit- Johanna Austin
ArtNet: Inside the New Opera Reimagining the Singular Life of Hilma af Klint:
The theatrical work also serves as a fine counterpoint to af Klint’s approach, [Director Morgan] Green pointed out. She noted how the painter created work for “an audience in the future” since the early 20th century had yet to catch up to her brand of abstraction. “And in the theater, the mandate is that you’re making work for people in the room. Theater demands that we’re in the present together—it’s immediate,” she said.
Vulture’s Sara Holdren on HILMA:
A meta-meditation that breaks the theatrical container.
There’s a formal riskiness to the show, along with a sincere and infectious sense of wonder.
Philadelphia Row Home A Vibrant and Musical Look at the Art of Hilma af Klint
It turns out, Hilma, as a stage production, is gorgeous and bright and just wild in a great way. Imagine bits of Suffs, Jesus Christ Superstar, I think I got a hint of Jonathan Larson, and even some Dreamgirls…and Rocky Horror? You’ll see, because if you know me personally, I won’t let you miss this performance.
