Rachel Grimes’ The Way Forth Makes Its World Premiere

Last weekend, The Way Forth—Rachel Grimes’ sweeping folk opera about the history of struggle and perseverance of women on the Kentucky frontier, both historic and modern—made its world premiere after years of preparation in Louisville, Ken., to full-throated acclaim and a full house.

Combining a chamber ensemble wielding the traditional instruments of Appalachia with a full orchestra and a full-length film that mixes footage of the local landscape with snapshots of emblematic people and moments, The Way Forth is an immersive and enormous work, playful and heartrending. Grimes gives the second performance in just a month at Big Ears 2019. For a preview, check out these three tantalizing behind-the-scenes videos of its production.