Fort Greene

New musical composition at BAM examines gentrification in Brooklyn

October 11, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The Peter Jay Sharp Building at BAM. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese
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“Place,” a new musical composition about gentrification in Brooklyn, premiered at BAM on Thursday. The piece is the brainchild of composer Ted Hearne, who felt that as a white male, he needed another viewpoint on the subject, which directly affects black and Hispanic residents, according to The New York Times.

He therefore brought in poet Saul Williams as a collaborator. “Place” not only focuses on gentrification, but it also explores personal lives, such as the birth of Hearne’s children and the breakup of his marriage. The music includes string chamber music, gospel, R&B, rock and more — sometimes all within a few seconds, the Times said. “Place” is directed by Patricia McGregor, who has directed several world premieres. Both Hearne and Williams are former Fort Greene residents.

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