re:Naissance has confirmed that “Inferno: A Hip Hop Opera,” created by Omari Newton and Amy Lee Lavoie, will be featured at its upcoming IndieFest in Vancouver. The performance is set to align with this year’s theme, “Colliding Art Forms,” and reinterprets Dante Alighieri’s classic work, “Inferno.” This innovative production highlights the resilience and creativity of communities whose artistic contributions are often overlooked or appropriated.
The narrative transports audiences to a reimagined version of Hell, depicted as a Spotify-like headquarters. The story follows two protagonists: Vie, a music producer, and Mo, an artist who has transitioned into a security guard. Together, they embark on a quest to reclaim the rights to their work, navigating through a landscape that merges opera’s rich emotional depth with hip-hop’s lyrical and poetic styles.
The musical compositions from “Inferno” will also be available for streaming after the festival, offering audiences continued access to the work beyond its live performances.
Artistic Collaboration and Community Engagement
Debi Wong, the founding artistic director of re:Naissance, emphasized the festival’s goal of fostering collaboration among diverse artistic communities. In a recent press release, she stated, “In Vancouver, we often see artistic communities working in silos. Our festival is designed to disrupt that.” Wong believes that the future of the performing arts relies on such intersections, which not only create unique experiences but also respond to the rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
She further noted that artists today have the opportunity to explore how various technologies and perspectives can transform storytelling and connections. By embracing emerging technologies and immersive practices, the festival aims to expand creative possibilities and encourage interaction between communities that might not typically engage with one another.
IndieFest is scheduled to take place from November 20 to 29, 2025, with “Inferno: A Hip Hop Opera” specifically slated for performance on November 28 and 29. This event promises to be a vital platform for artistic expression, showcasing how different art forms can collide to create something new and impactful.
As excitement builds around the festival, re:Naissance continues to affirm its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance art, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated in the cultural narrative.
