Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower

"An unrepentantly political work of theater. Poignant and cautionary, this blues, gospel and funk-inflected work argues that if we want to avoid this future we’ll need diversity, strength and a song or two."—The New York Times

Based on the novels Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler, this fully staged opera featuring a powerhouse ensemble of 20 singers, actors, and musicians harnesses 200 years of Black music to give musical life to Butler’s acclaimed science fiction novel. Parable of the Sower, published in 1993, set beginning in 2024, and centered around the physical and spiritual journey of African American teenager Lauren Oya Olamina, presciently grapples with many of the same issues we face today—global warming, corporate influence over government, a destabilized economy, water scarcity, food scarcity, the privatization of social services, homelessness, public safety, a return of long-forgotten diseases, and the profit-making machine that runs the medical industry. Written by singer, composer, and producer Toshi Reagon in collaboration with her mother, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon (song leader, composer, scholar, social activist, and founder of Sweet Honey in the Rock), Parable of the Sower is a mesmerizing opera of rare power and beauty that reveals deep insights into gender, race, and the future of human civilization.

Parable Path CU community events will take place in fall 2021 and spring 2022, exploring the themes and story of Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower. Activities include a community book read; An AfroFuturism Experience art exhibit featuring works by Stacey Robinson, Shaya Robinson, and Kamau Grantham; and more.

If you can, show your love for the arts by purchasing an “Advocate” ticket; the additional ticket cost directly benefits Krannert Center.

Tickets for this event will go on sale to the public at 10am on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Tickets will be sold online only as mobile or print-at-home tickets and are not available for purchase by phone or at the Ticket Office counter. Before the on-sale date, please visit Krannert Center’s online ticket office to ensure you have or can create an active account. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel welcome to contact the Ticket Office at 217.333.6280 or kran-tix [at] illinois.edu. All 2021-2022 ticket on-sale dates are now available. To learn about early ticket-buying opportunities, please contact Krannert Center’s Advancement team: 217.333.6700 or advancement [at] krannertcenter.illinois.edu.

In order to attend an in-theatre performance at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, audience members must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. This change is occurring in response to increasingly strict contractual requirements of visiting artists, evolving performing arts industry standards, and audience expectations. At this time, face coverings are still required in indoor university spaces such as Krannert Center. Face coverings must be worn throughout any event or performance. For more information, please see our COVID-19 Safety Protocols page.