Uncaged Library Arts & Information lifts up stories that sustain the hearts and minds of social change workers. In particular, we produce collaborative music, theater, film, and data projects that highlight the struggles and victories of LGBTQ people, people living with HIV, and people of color in our ongoing fights for dignity, existence, and liberation.
From 2016-2018, we developed and staged Octavia of Earth, a biographical musical inspired by the life of science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler. In 2019, we recorded and released a studio album with the music from the show. For the last couple of years, we've been building a working relationship with barnstormer Bay Area band Skip the Needle, and we're thrilled to be collaborating with them on six new songs for Octavia of Earth, Volume 2! On May 7th, 2023, Skip The Needle will present a live concert and conversation with Dr. Ayana Jamieson as part of the 26th annual National Queer Arts Festival. Stay tuned for more info coming soon!
Tender, funny, and magical, Octavia of Earth presents the human side of the mysterious founding mother of Afrofuturism. The live show incorporates documentary film components in place of spoken dialogue. Octavia of Earth focuses on Butler’s early years as a child and adolescent in Southern California, as a young adult struggling to find a path forward for her creative aspirations, and as an established author of critical renown but limited commercial success. The production features original music by Itoro Udofia, T. Carlis Roberts, and Anand J.K. Kalra, with dance from award-winning choreographer Joslynn Mathis Reed and performances from longtime Bay Area artists Adrian Applin and Vera Hannush.
Learn more about the show, who we are, and what we do.
Or, jump right into the music! Play Volume 1 from our internal site player by clicking the play button at the bottom of your screen, or click to stream directly on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Napster.
