Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program Alum, Rona Siddiqui (Cycle 21)
Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program alum, Rona Siddiqui (Cycle 21) had her new musical film A MORE PERFECT UNION presented in Arena Stage's 'Arena Riffs' in mid-April of 2021.
Drawing on inspiration from concept albums, her story is told through a visual audio piece that showcases the different phases of the emotional life cycle of a relationship, while at the same time exploring the larger theme of Siddiqui’s relationship to the country. The visual extended audio recording features a compilation of original songs including “Perfect Us,” “Ghost Train” and “Your Blanket.” The overarching themes in A More Perfect Union center around acceptance, identity and America’s racial reckoning.
The three-part commissioned musical series featured three different composer and lyricist teams with musical selections infused with sounds of folk, indie and hip-hop.
Themes in the musical series include the grief and void created by the pandemic, the nationwide reckoning on racial injustice, finding joy in difficult times and the exploration of one’s relationship to the country.
The self-produced, self-contained finished pieces were presented by Arena Stage. Each original musical is 20 – 30 minutes long and is available to be streamed on Arena’s website.
To watch A MORE PERFECT UNION, visit: