In Development

"Water Riot" is a cyberpunk rock opera by Derek Lee McPhatter, set in a near-future Chicago facing ecological collapse and water scarcity. The story follows a group of Black activists using music and protest to fight for water rights and resist a technologically advanced, authoritarian regime. 

It’s 1959, and the musical West Side Story has captured the hearts of America, including the tight-knit Candelaria family who dreams of making it big in show business: the siblings take acting and dance lessons, mother Inez works as an usher and father Pepe tours as a bandleader. When an exciting update about a West Side Story film arrives, it is overshadowed by devastating news — their Manhattan tenement apartment is being demolished to build Lincoln Center, and they have 30 days to vacate. Filled with music and dance, this heartfelt family drama explores the tension between pursuing dreams and managing the realities of life.  

Music and dance drive this historical exploration into racial divisions within Latine and Caribbean people. Set in 1918 Tampa Florida, Ybor City, tells the story of two immigrant communities who work side by side and yet do not see each other. Afro-Cuban cigar roller Pedro and his Caribbean wife Irina struggle for acceptance by the white tabaqueros. While Cuban leader Catalino negotiates to form a union, his sister Teresa aspires to be a singer. Luisa, her best friend wants her to join the struggle for worker’s rights. Then, Teresa meets Rafael, the romantic factory Lector. He can help her to tour her rumba songs to the world and she is ready to go. When the abusive factory owners demand longer hours for less pay and violence erupts. Pedro and his wife Irina don’t know which side to take. The community must bond if everyone is to earn a living wage. Experience this musical tale of division and reconciliation.