Leo's Requiem

by Darius M. Buckley

Leo’s Requiem follows the story of a young black composer and conductor in residence at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra who's searching for words to set for his next commission. When he rediscovers a notebook of his late childhood friend’s poetry, he unearths a rainstorm of pain, memories and inspiration. This play with music, structured as a requiem mass itself, explores grief in young men of color, and the...

Leo’s Requiem follows the story of a young black composer and conductor in residence at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra who's searching for words to set for his next commission. When he rediscovers a notebook of his late childhood friend’s poetry, he unearths a rainstorm of pain, memories and inspiration. This play with music, structured as a requiem mass itself, explores grief in young men of color, and the divine power of music that heals those wounds.

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Leo's Requiem

The choir, although scripted, is prerecorded. The director can make the choice to work with a live choir and orchestra but it's not necessary. Access to the score, recordings, and music rights must be secured with permission from both Stephen Berkemeier and Darius M. Buckley.

Roles like the concert choir girl in Act II or the hands that reach out to Leo in Act II can be played by actors within the five person cast, outside of Leo and Josiah. Double casting for those small moments is encouraged. For example, the actor that plays Mariah could also play the girl in the concert gown in Act II. Just make it clear that they are two different people.

Development History

  • Workshop, Columbia University, 2024

Production History

  • Workshop, Columbia University , 2024