About

Based on in-depth research into the history, aesthetics, and psychology of conspiracy, Real Enemies is an evening-length, multimedia, jazz-fueled exploration of American paranoia. This innovative marriage of music-theater and hybrid nonfiction marks the first collaboration between composer Darcy James Argue, filmmaker Peter Nigrini and writer Isaac Butler, who together chronicle a shadow history of post-war America that may—or may not—be true.

Beginning with Edward Snowden’s revelations about NSA data collection and moving through a dozen conspiracies, Real Enemies mimics and deconstructs how information overload, our need to make sense of the world, and government wrongdoing form the basis of our conspiracy culture.

Equal parts rollicking concert, impressionist documentary and lyric essay, Real Enemies is at the vanguard of both music-theater and hybrid non-fiction, continuing the boundary-pushing work started by composer Darcy James Argue.

Support

Produced by Beth Morrison Projects. Co-commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), the Fromm Music Foundation, Holland Festival, and Beth Morrison Projects. Supported by the MAP Fund, a program of Creative Capital, primarily supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Additional funds provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. World premiere supported, in part, by public funds from The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.