Episode 9, Part 2: Batya Abramson-Goldstein and Timothy O'Leary

Showing how art can be a vehicle for interfaith understanding is a key element of MOCRA’s mission. But MOCRA isn’t the only arts institution exploring that possibility. In this two-part episode, MOCRA Assistant Director David Brinker speaks with Batya Abramson-Goldstein, Executive Director of the St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council, and Timothy O’Leary, General Director of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Part 1 focuses on Opera Theatre’s 2011 production of the John Adams opera The Death of Klinghoffer, and how that opera became a springboard for interfaith conversation and action through the arts. Listen to Part 1 of the conversation here.

In Part 2, Ambramson-Goldstein and O’Leary discuss the genesis of an interfaith September 11 memorial service, and other lasting positive consequences of the interfaith collaboration that began with The Death of Klinghoffer. 

Visit the MOCRA Voices website to learn more about Batya Abramson-Goldstein and Timothy O’Leary, and to explore a Listening Guide to the conversation.

Recording Engineer and Editor: Mike Schrand
Host: Linda Kennedy
Theme and Incidental Music: Stephen James Neale
Producer: David Brinker

Original release date: 6/7/2014

This episode was made possible with financial support from the Regional Arts Commission.