Tales of Transatlantic Freedom is a powerful music theatre performance; an exploration of African diasporic narratives that decolonises and deconstructs musical forms. The show celebrates internationalism, queer voices of colour and musical tradition from across continents – created by and starring renowned artists singer Andrea Baker and multi-disciplinary musician Howard Moody, directed by John Paul McGroarty.

First presented at the Pianodrome in 2022, Tales of Transatlantic Freedom has been developed to take audiences on a theatrical, musical journey with two of the UK’s top musical polyglots. Andrea Baker and Howard Moody bring their separate cultural and musical histories together, taking in Scottish folk tradition, blues music, contemporary classical music to create a new dramatic whole.

Baker and Moody break classical convention as they perform brand-new arrangements for Robert Burns classics, works from UK-based Black female composers and a mesmerising aria from Shirley Graham Du Bois 1932 opera Tom Tom – the first opera written by an African American woman.

Tales of Transatlantic Freedom explores what was and what is; the power of African diasporic narratives in music and the arts; the nuance of history; and how we are all ultimately linked.

“The audience rose as one to their feet at the finale – this is a stunning piece of work….. This enthralling encounter with these award-winning artists” – ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Musical Theatre Review

“Emancipation is emotively brought to life through the seamless vocals of Andrea Baker and evocative musicianship of Howard Moody” – Edinburgh Music Review