How do you tell the story of the birth of the universe, the evolution of galaxies, and the miraculous emergence of Earth in the cosmos? On one night this October, the story will be told through a long list of artistic media—combining orchestra, chorus, film, dance, paintings, light, and spoken words by Robert Redford.

On October 22, EarthX and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will present the U.S. premiere of “The Way of the Rain—Hope for Earth.” The performance was created and directed by Sibylle Szaggars Redford, in collaboration with music composer Tim Janis, and performance film artist Floyd Thomas McBee, with narration by Robert Redford. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Julien Benichou. 

The performance had originally been scheduled for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day at Earthx2020 at the Fair Park Music Hall, but it was delayed by the pandemic.

‘Struck by the beauty’

The Way of the Rain – Hope For Earth is a multidisciplinary environmental performance created and directed by Sibylle Szaggars Redford, in collaboration with Music Composer Tim Janis, Performance Film Artist Floyd Thomas McBee, with spoken word narration by Robert Redford. [Image: EarthX]

EarthX Founder Trammell S. Crow has spent the last two years eager to see the performance staged in North Texas.

“We were struck by the beauty of Sibylle Szaggars Redford’s powerful piece and knew that we had to include this in our 50th Celebration of Earth Day Week festivities,” Crow said in a statement. “After more than two years, we’re thrilled to be hosting this special evening in Dallas with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.”

Inspired by rains of the desert Southwest

Szaggars Redford, who’s been married to Robert Redford since 2009, created the work after being inspired by the annual rains that sustain life on the high-desert plateaus of the Southwest. 

“Conceived by environmental artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford to explore the issue of climate change resulting in rapidly changing weather patterns, Szaggars Redford collaborates with world-renowned artists to create a piece that illustrates crucial environmental dilemmas through performance art,” EarthX said in a statement.

You can see the opening minutes of the performance in this video from the 2021 world premiere held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

And you can learn more about the creative team behind the project here. 

Destined for the DSO

“I knew that the Dallas Symphony needed to be part of this project from the moment that Trammell approached me,” said Kim Noltemy, Ross Perot President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “The marrying of all these disciplines to tell the story of our Earth resonated with me, and I know it will resonate with audiences.”

The event’s creator has waited a long time for her work to reach the region, as well.

“We are honored ‘The Way of the Rain—Hope for Earth’ will finally be presented to Dallas,” said Szaggars Redford, the performance’s founder, president, and artistic director, in the statement. “The future of Earth and our well-being lies in our hands. Only together—like raindrops—will we be able to nourish the river of life. Let’s raise our voices together in these crucial times for Earth—the Mother of All!”

VIP package includes cocktails and dinner with the Redfords and the event’s team

Tickets are on sale now at dallassymphony.org. A special VIP package includes cocktails and a post-dinner reception with the Redfords and “Way of The Rain” team.

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.