July 8 at 9pm, July 9 at 7pm, July 10 at 9pm, July 11 at 7pm * buy tickets at ps122.org *

East River Commedia presents
The Jamal Lullabies
The Jamal Lullabies is a musical tribute and lament written and scored by Emily Conbere and directed by Paul Bargetto. In the piece four young, white women sing about Jamal, a "beloved gang member, a soft spoken lover, and a beautiful tired out addict" who was killed at a gang shooting during a party. As the women unfold their stories it becomes clear that each of them loved him in profound ways that altered the course of their lives. 

Written by:: Emily Conbere
Directed by: Paul Bargetto
Performed by: Bekah Coulter, Debbie Friedman, Nicole Stefonek, Kristina Teschner
Derek Wright - Lighting Designer

“This is a gorgeous show about pain, beauty, race, and sex. It absolutely cannot be defined simply. Emily Conbere's words are stunning and clever, always illuminating a corner of reality you never knew existed. The singers are superb, perfectly enmeshed in harmony, giving spirit and energy to this subtle and complex script. Go see this show. It's not like anything else you'll see.” David Mann, Blogger Minnesota Fringe Festival “This is definitely not a show constrained by slavish political correctness from asking difficult questions about the blinders erected by race and privilege and by youth love and sex. The show manages to be funny, shocking and disturbing all at once. The musical arrangements are subtly rich, and the decision to present the lyrics with simple guitar accompaniment or a capella greatly feeds both the humor and poignancy of these stories.” Cheryl Hulting, Minnesota Fringe

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http://www.eastriver.org

Project History
The Jamal Lullabies has been presented at the undergroundzero Festival and the abovegroundzero Festival in 2007. In August of 2008 The Jamal Lullabies was presented for a limited run at The Minnesota Fringe Festival in Minneapolis.