One of the most memorable moments of this year’s United Solo Festival was the performance of Remembering My Dreams. Starring the extraordinarily talented Wendy-Lane Bailey, the production captivated the audience, drawing them into a world brimming with dreams and emotions. Bailey’s powerful stage presence and expressive performance transformed the show into a deeply moving experience.
What struck me most was the extraordinary quality of Wendy-Lane Bailey’s voice—so emotive and resonant that it moved me to tears. Her ability to convey both strength and vulnerability through her singing added profound depth to the performance, creating an unforgettable connection with the audience.
The production, developed by Wendy-Lane Bailey, Omar Sangare, and Michele Brourman, was a true collaborative masterpiece. Brourman’s stunning music, paired with Sangare’s visionary direction, brought a unique depth to the performance. As the founder of United Solo, Sangare’s leadership infused the show with the festival’s essence: a celebration of solo performers and their ability to illuminate universal truths through personal stories.
Remembering My Dreams stands as a heartfelt tribute to the courage and creativity of solo artists. Through the hauntingly beautiful music of Michele Brourman, Bailey guided the audience on an emotional journey into the realm of dreams—a realm where our deepest desires and fears intertwine. The performance served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of hope and belief in dreams, even when all seems lost.
Enhanced by Beth Falcone’s skillful piano accompaniment and Ritt Henn’s evocative bass, the musical elements elevated the production, making it an unforgettable experience. Remembering My Dreams not only honored the solo artist’s craft but also reaffirmed the transformative power of storytelling, music, and human connection.
This remarkable production inspired and deeply moved the audience, a testament to the boundless possibilities of solo performance. It will undoubtedly remain a shining highlight of this year’s festival.
"Remembering My Dreams: The Michele Brourman Songbook"
Written and Performed by Wendy-Lane Bailey
Directed by Omar Sangare
Musical Direction/Pianist: Beth Falcone
October 27, 2024
United Solo Festival, Theatre Row, NYC
The 17th United Solo Festival
September 24 – November 17, 2024
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
Born in Poland and based in New York, Agata Drogowska is a filmmaker, artist, journalist, writer, and curator specializing in the visual and performing arts. With a career spanning over two decades, Drogowska has become a significant figure in the cultural dialogue between Poland and the United States. She holds a degree in Painting and Arts Education from the University of the Arts in Poznań (formerly the Academy of Fine Arts) and a diploma in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy, which she completed in 2010. Her multidisciplinary background is reflected in her diverse accomplishments as a painter, set designer, and artistic director during her early career in Poland. Drogowska’s notable achievements include serving as Vice President of the Artistic Association “InterCity” (1999–2010), curating a critically acclaimed exhibition of works by renowned Polish-American photographer Ryszard Horowitz (2010), and leading the public art project “The Art Benches” (2003–2007), which transformed urban spaces in Poznań into interactive art installations. Since 2012, Drogowska has been based in New York, where she currently serves as the President of New York Artists and Filmmakers. Under her leadership, the organization is dedicated to showcasing contemporary Polish cinema and fostering artistic collaborations between Poland and the United States. Her work has been presented at renowned venues, including MoMA, the Tribeca Screening Room, and the Polish Consulate General in New York. Drogowska is also an accomplished filmmaker, having debuted with the short experimental film Sick Home, Home Sick in 2004. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she is an active journalist and writer, contributing insightful articles on art, film, and culture to international publications. Her projects often focus on preserving and celebrating the legacy of Polish cinema and art, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary global discourse. For more information, visit agatadrogowska.com.
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