February 10, 2025
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its public arts program, MOSAIC,
will present ReWritten, a multimedia dance-theater performance examining the complex
relationship between authors Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The evening-length
production, created and performed by dance artists Matthew Cumbie and Tom Truss, will
take place at MCLA’s Venable Theater on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m.
About the Performance
Blending dance, live music, visual art, projection, and theater, ReWritten moves between
the lives, works, and remaining letters of Melville and Hawthorne to reimagine an
intergenerational queer love story that helped shape American literature. The performance
explores themes of longing, artistic influence, and the tension between desire and
societal expectations.
Cumbie and Truss co-direct and perform in the production alongside award-winning composer
and bassist Summer Kodama. The show features projection design by Roma Flowers and
scenic and lighting design by MOSAIC Director Jeremy Winchester.
“I’m excited for these performances, especially because of our partnerships with these
amazing
Berkshire-based arts and cultural organizations who bring so much to this project,”
Cumbie said.
Developed over four years, ReWritten has been shaped by residencies across the country
and collaborations with Berkshire arts organizations, including Arrowhead/Berkshire
Historical Society, The Adams Theatre, and Berkshire Pulse.
Tickets for ReWritten are on sale now; $10 for the general public, $5 for MCLA alumni
and free for current MCLA students, faculty, and staff.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.mcla.edu/mosaic.
About MOSAIC
MOSAIC is MCLA’s public program dedicated to celebrating open arts and intersectional
culture. By presenting diverse and innovative performances, MOSAIC fosters an inclusive
cultural environment that encourages artistic exploration and dialogue.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2025, after earning the No. 7 spot the prior three years.
The College’s focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in
additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 for Top Performer on Social Mobility for
liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 2 for Top Performer on Social Mobility
for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings measure how well schools
graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
