Hilma

a world premiere produced in partnership with New Georges
words by Kate Scelsa
music by Robert M. Johanson
directed by Morgan Green

June 4–23, 2024

Tickets

The early 20th century queer mystic and artist Hilma af Klint channeled hundreds of paintings through messages from otherworldly forces, hoping to communicate the mysteries of the universe. Only recently rediscovered and hailed as one of the first-ever abstract artists, she worked in obscurity during a time that was not yet ready to receive her message. This contemporary opera – with a score that mixes genres including opera, rock, pop, and musical theater– wrestles with the hubris and humility that fueled one woman’s spiritual quest.

Streaming Tickets are available now for $29. The production can be streamed on demand June 24 through July 21.

Take a deep dive into Hilma af Klint

HILMA Spotify Playlist

HILMA Spotify Playlist – by Robert M. Johanson, HILMA Composer

In the press

• Metro Philadelphia: Wilma Theatre creatives talk new opera and Tony Award
• Philadelphia Gay News: ‘HILMA’: 20TH-CENTURY QUEER VISIONARY ARTIST INSPIRES 21ST-CENTURY OPERA
• artnet: Inside the New Opera Reimagining the Singular Life of Hilma af Klint
• The Dance Journal: Hilma at the Wilma
• 6abc: The Wilma Theater staging world premiere of ‘Hilma’ through June 23

Who is Hilma?

Watch our docuseries on the making of HILMA, a contemporary opera exploring the life and art of Hilma af Klint, a queer abstract artist whose paintings were inspired by mystic messages she channeled from a higher power.

Support UArts Faculty & Staff and Students

From the moment we got the news last Friday about the abrupt closure of University of the Arts, we shared the shock, sadness, and fear of so many colleagues and friends. So many artists and audience members, workers on stage, backstage, front of house, in our office, in our classrooms, in our cafe are UArts students, alumni, and many serve on the faculty. UArts is a critical neighbor and linchpin in our artistic ecosystem on the Avenue of the Arts and the Greater Philadelphia region.

We envision a world where the inherent need for artists to have a livelihood and for arts education to be a given is a shared understanding for our country, state, and city.

We’re thinking through what actions we can take, and which we can build towards, to care for those directly affected. In the immediate, we want to lift up this opportunity to support the many artists currently reacting to this shocking news. Please contribute/ share this go fund me campaign created by Lighting Designer and former UArts Professor Natalie Robin to support UArts faculty and staff.

DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT UARTS FACULTY AND STAFF

DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY STUDENT HOUSING NEEDS

Hilma is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Hilma is a World Premiere produced in partnership with New Georges.

HILMA Honorary Producers
Helen and Herman Fala
Mari and Peter Shaw