If you unfolded us

In spring 2027, The Industry will present If you unfolded us, an opera created by renowned interdisciplinary artist and writer Sable Elyse Smith in collaboration with composer David Dominique.

Originally presented at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the opera’s love story is being reimagined by Smith with The Industry for a nightclub setting in the landscape of Los Angeles, the artist’s hometown. 

We are proud to announce that this presentation is made possible through a grant from Teiger Foundation—a foundation dedicated exclusively to supporting contemporary art curators across the United States. 

An artist who has received illustrious awards such as The Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award and Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellowship, Sable Elyse Smith was recognized in 2024 on the Time100 Next list, and exhibits in Los Angeles with Shaun Regen Projects.

If you unfolded us was originally presented at the Museum of Modern Art, New York as part of the exhibition Studio Sound: Sable Elyse Smith. The exhibition at MoMA was organized by Martha Joseph, Associate Curator, Department of Media and Performance, with May Makki, former Curatorial Assistant, Department of Media and Performance. Performances of If you unfolded us were produced by Lizzie Gorfaine, Director, with Nora Chellew, former Assistant Performance Coordinator, Performance and Live Art.

The work’s presentation in Los Angeles is organized by Malik Gaines, Artistic Director Cooperative emeritus, and Tim Griffin, Artistic/Executive Director, The Industry.

Image credit: Sable Elyse Smith, If you unfolded us, 2024 (performance view). Pictured: S T A R R busby. Produced in collaboration with composer David Dominique and vocalist Freddie June. Organized as part of Studio Sound: Sable Elyse Smith, The Museum of Modern Art, New York, July 3–14, 2024. © The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photo: Jonathan Dorado