Memoir by Mackey, S., De (2024/2024), Benaroya Hall, Seattle, United States

A theatrical musical work by Grammy-winning composer Steven Mackey and director Mark DeChiazza, Memoir explores the tumultuous 20th century as told through the eyes of a first-generation American woman (Elaine Mackey, Steven’s mother) charting her own path in search of the American Dream. Elaine’s journey — through love and loss, struggles with gender norms and social mores, and a personal battle with alcoholism — is told through music and narrated vignettes from her own memoir and that of her son, the composer. Written for string quartet, percussion duo and narrator, the visually and sonically captivating work spans diverse musical landscapes and characters, from witty and playful to rich and profound.