Explore the 1739 Stono slave rebellion through the voices of more-than-human participants. While typically depicted as a failed insurrection, STONO asks: Is there another story? To find answers, audiences are guided to commune with water, mycelia, ancestors, drums, fire, and more. Combining Afro-folkloric music and dance (ring shout, bomba, rumba) with spoken text, STONO imagines a more expansive and surprising story about that fateful event, a space in which revolution extends beyond racial politics, human temporality, and material space.
About STONO
As part of Control Group Production’s GAP initiative, T. Carlis Roberts (writer, composer, performer) will present a work-in-progress production of STONO at the People’s Building in February 2027.
Join the STONO ensemble for a first preview of music, dance, and more from the show on Nov. 7th.
Writer/composer T. Carlis Roberts will share about the revolutionary history that fuels the piece and how it can inspire acts of liberation today. The ensemble of local and international performers will present a set of songs from STONO along with a special opening act.
This concert has limited seating and is free to the public. Discounted tickets to the February 2027 staged production of STONO will also be available – get your seats now!
STONO: a benefit concert
Nov 7th, 7:00pm
Doors at 6:30pm
Free (donations accepted)
Presenting Sponsor: MATTER
Creative Team
Writer, composer, music director: T. Carlis Roberts
Director: Evren Odcikin
Ensemble: Dominique Christina, Sara Cristina Cruz Cepeda, Stellan Knowles, Rafael Maya, T. Carlis Roberts, Tajah Sahar Schall, Krisangela Washington
Co-producer: Control Group Productions
Executive Producer: Patrick Mueller
Line Producer: Bruce Trujillo
STONO Casting Call
As part of Control Group Production’s GAP initiative, T. Carlis Roberts (writer, composer, performer) will present a work-in-progress production of STONO. STONO explores the 1739 Stono slave rebellion through the voices of more-than-human witnesses. The story is told through music, spoken word, and movement, drawing on multiple African-diasporic roots traditions including ring shout, bomba, and rumba.
— Can sing strong lead vocals on multiple numbers and hold difficult harmonies
— Can speak/act dialogue
— Can play simple parts at the same time as singing such as shakers or bells
— Identify as Black, Afro-Latinx, or Afro-descended (if there is question about whether this fits, please reach out and we can discuss)
— Have experience with one or more Afro-roots styles (preferred but not required)
We are especially interested in singers with a higher vocal range. But if you have a different range, please submit as well!
We are seeking one (1) lead singer who:
We will rehearse approximately 2x/month from September to November 2026, 2-3 more intensive weeks staging the show in January 2027, and tech/perform in February 2027. The rehearsals and production will take place in the Denver Metro area. All project artists are contracted at $20/hour for an estimated 125 work hours (~$2500). Ensemble members will be considered for future productions, gigs, and touring of the full show and excerpts, which will be booked separately.
If interested, please send an email to bruce@manossagrados.com with the following:
Description of performance experience and/or resume
Performance samples:
Lead singers: Two clips that demonstrate your best singing
Known conflicts during rehearsal/production dates (one-time or ongoing)
This casting will stay open until the position is filled.
Questions? Email Bruce Trujillo at bruce@manossagrados.com.