Musical Adaptation of From the Abuelas’ Window
The Project: The collaborative team of Nancy Burke, Ignacio Valdivia and Ed Levy is at work on a musical adaptation of the earlier novel by Nancy, From the Abuelas’ Window. A tale for the entire family, From the Abuelas’ Window is a story of the triumph of a small group of villagers in Chile, in 1973 when the Pinochet junta took over the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende to establish a fascist dictatorship.
The Origins: Since its publication in 2005, Abuelas’ has received countless waves of praise as a multicultural title for children as young as 9 and as old as 99. The encouragement to adapt this story for the screen or stage has been consistent and overwhelming. Finally, in December, 2023, Nancy enlisted the assistance and formed a collaborative partnership with Ed Levy, whose short musicals include the award winning The Bystander, Trifles and Strike (currently in development).
Cultural Authenticity: Understanding the importance of cultural authenticity, Nancy embarked on a quest for a composer. Through a Google Search she discovered the Society for Chilean Music, a small non-profit located in Vienna, Austria. Through them, Nancy found Ignacio Valdivia, a classical guitarist, arranger and composer who resides in Santiago de Chile. Nancy and Ed welcomed him to the team in 2023. He has brought his talents and familiarity with the music traditions of his country to the project as well as insight into the current political and social issues still unanswered since the deposing of Pinochet’s government and restoration to democracy in 1990.
Mutual Appreciation: As a writer, Nancy’s research and narrative playwriting skills drive the character development and story. Ed brings his musical theatre and lyricist experience, and, Ignacio’s original music brings it all to life! This is our first collaboration.
Seeking Opportunities to Workshop: Currently we are at the stage where we are seeking opportunities to workshop the play. We welcome college theatre programs, local professional theatres or community theatre groups who could step through the work onstage as a learning experience and as the next step in development.
If you’d like to review the play and/or hear a demo tape of a few songs, please see our contact page for email address for Nancy.