Elkhanah Pulitzer in Conversation
Elkhanah Pulitzer, director
Elkhanah Pulitzer is a highly esteemed theater and opera director known for her bold, nuanced stage direction that explores the intersection of music and theater through innovation and hybridized forms, creating compelling and visually stunning productions. Pulitzer is driven by her desire to captivate audiences in the theatrical space and to attentively integrate each collaborator’s artistic vision. In past seasons, Pulitzer has directed projects at the LA Philharmonic, including Adams and Goodman's Nixon in China and Bernstein’s Mass, the latter of which was also staged at the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center. She has also directed Adams and Sellars’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary at the San Francisco Symphony and Lucia di Lammermoor and Judas Maccabaeus at LA Opera.
Committed to pushing the boundaries of opera, Pulitzer’s recent works include a production of John Adams’ Antony and Cleopatra with San Francisco Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and the Metropolitan Opera; Alisa Weilerstein’s Fragments; and David Lang’s prisoner of the state, which was premiered by the New York Philharmonic and toured with European orchestras. Pulitzer has collaborated with Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Omaha, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and the Canadian Opera Company. She received OPERA America’s Success Award for her libretto for Dream of the Pacific, composed by Stephen Mager. Born in Boston and raised in St. Louis and Marin, she serves as the board vice president of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, which advances experimentation in art curation, installation, and live programming.
Jamelah Rimawi, chief programs officer, OPERA America
Since joining OPERA America in 2018, Jamelah Rimawi has been responsible for planning and overseeing various programs and events that support the development and promotion of opera across the United States and beyond. By collaborating with networks like the Black Administrators of Opera and the Racial Justice Opera Network, Rimawi has been instrumental in creating accessible and inclusive spaces within the opera industry. Her journey into the arts began early, influenced by a diverse cultural background and a passion for music. Prior to her work at OPERA America, she gained extensive experience in event management through roles at the New York International Fringe Festival and other organizations. Rimawi is excited to continue OPERA America’s commitment to support a vibrant opera community.