If the purpose of art is to comment on the human experience, it would be difficult to find a more human statement.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Night Side Songs is a communal music-theater experience performed for—and with—an intimate audience that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Inspired by American writer, philosopher, and cultural critic Susan Sontag’s observation that “illness is the night side of life,” this genre-breaking theatrical kaleidoscope with music by Richard Rodgers Award recipients Daniel Lazour and Patrick Lazour (We Live in Cairo, Flap My Wings) and directed by Taibi Magar (We Live in Cairo, Macbeth In Stride) gives voices to doctors, patients, researchers, and caregivers. A folk-inspired score and interconnected stories spanning time and perspective take us on a journey through illness that brings us closer to life.
This production contains descriptions of cancer treatments as well as discussions of grief, loss of a parent, and terminal illness. Recommended for ages 15+.
Words and Music by the Lazours
Directed by Taibi Magar
Produced in association with Philadelphia Theatre Company
Notable dates
Opening Night: 3/28
Masks Required: 4/16 at 2PM
Development Support
The Bob and Alison Murchison New Work Development Fund
Ticketing Policies
Learn about our ticketing policies and discounts, including for seniors, EBT cardholders, students, and audience members under 25.
Learn about our ticketing policies and discounts, including for seniors, EBT cardholders, students, and audience members under 25.
Content Key
Language 2 out of 5
Violence 0 out of 5
Sexuality 0 out of 5
Substance Use 0 out of 5
Language 2 out of 5
Violence 0 out of 5
Sexuality 0 out of 5
Substance Use 0 out of 5
Venues
Cambridge Masonic Temple
MAR 27 – APR 6
1950 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Directions, accessibility, and more information about the venue in Porter Square.
More about the Venue
MAR 27 – APR 6
1950 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Directions, accessibility, and more information about the venue in Porter Square.
More about the Venue
Hibernian Hall
APR 9 – 20
184 Dudley St., Roxbury
Directions, accessibility, and more information about the venue in Nubian Square.
More about the Venue
APR 9 – 20
184 Dudley St., Roxbury
Directions, accessibility, and more information about the venue in Nubian Square.
More about the Venue
Ticket Offers
Masks Required Performance
APR 16 2PM
All audience members at the performance on Wednesday, April 16 at 2PM will be required to wear a well-fitted mask that fully covers their nose and mouth at all times within the venue. We recommend wearing an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask, or double-masking. Actors will not be masked.
Take Five
All Performances
$5 Tickets
Take Five invites community members who feel attending theater is financially out of reach or want to take a chance on something new to experience the A.R.T. with a $5 ticket. These tickets are sold out for Night Side Songs.
More Info
All Performances
$5 Tickets
Take Five invites community members who feel attending theater is financially out of reach or want to take a chance on something new to experience the A.R.T. with a $5 ticket. These tickets are sold out for Night Side Songs.
More Info
All Discounts
Standard tickets start at $35, and discounts are available to students and ticket-buyers under the age of 25, Blue Star families, EBT card holders, seniors, Harvard faculty and staff, and others.
Press Coverage
Reviews
Features
Philadelphia Press
Explore
Audience Support Resources
We recognize that our productions may unintentionally activate distressing and/or traumatic memories of past experiences in our audience members. These resources are curated by Dr. Charmain Jackman through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens.
See Resources
We recognize that our productions may unintentionally activate distressing and/or traumatic memories of past experiences in our audience members. These resources are curated by Dr. Charmain Jackman through a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens.
See Resources
Essential Question
What role does community play in caregiving?
A.R.T. leads with inquiry and asks questions in a spirit of brave curiosity in a never-ending journey of learning and growth. For each production, the creative team, company, and Engagement team develop an Essential Question to guide work in the rehearsal room, onstage, and for engaging with audiences.
Credits
Learn about the collaboration of artists who created the show, as well as the staff, supporters, and partners who made it possible.
Creative Team
Words and Music by
the Lazours
Directed by
Taibi Magar
Scenic Design
Matt Saunders
Costume Design
Jason A. Goodwin
Lighting Design
Amith Chandrashaker
Sound Design
Justin Stasiw
Music Direction and Piano Arrangements
Alex Bechtel
Casting Director
Taylor Williams, CSA
Production Stage Manager
Elizabeth Emanuel
Cast
Harris/Ensemble
Jordan Dobson
Harris/Ensemble
Jordan Dobson
Doctor/Ensemble
Robi Hager
Doctor/Ensemble
Robi Hager
Yasmine/Ensemble
Brooke Ishibashi
Yasmine/Ensemble
Brooke Ishibashi
Frank/Ensemble
Jonathan Raviv
Frank/Ensemble
Jonathan Raviv
Desiree/Prudence/Ensemble
Mary Testa
Desiree/Prudence/Ensemble