© 2024 WUTC
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

“Waters Rising,” A Mini-Opera From Inside Prison Walls

Ways To Subscribe
Poster for “Waters Rising.”
Arts Capacity

From inside prison walls, a story of transformation from darkness to light.

“Waters Rising: A Cardboard Opera” was produced in collaboration with prisoners at Walker State Faith and Character Based Prison in Northwest Georgia and the Hunter Museum of American Art here in Chattanooga.

Prisoners shared their words, musical ideas and feedback - all crafted by composer Tim Hinck and librettist Kendra Preston Leonard - to create “Waters Rising.”

On Tuesday evening, starting at 7:30 PM, Chattanooga Theatre Centre will host the first public performance for the mini-opera, presented by Arts Capacity after its private debut inside Walker State.

Professional musicians and vocalists from Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, and Colorado will perform the piece.

Prisoners at Walker State also created opera set pieces and artwork, which will be offered at a silent auction during a reception at CTC starting at 7 PM before the performance at 7:30.

I spoke with composer Tim Hinck; Kris Bespalec, a local artist and manager of school and community programs at the Hunter Museum - and Holly Mulcahy, violinist and founder of Arts Capacity.

Stay Connected