From child prodigy to black-clad priestess of piano, Clara Schumann spent six decades in the spotlight, dazzling 19th-century European audiences. Today, however, she is often relegated to the footnotes—merely mentioned as the wife of German Romantic composer Robert Schumann or close friend of Johannes Brahms. This new musical by Princeton theater and music senior Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 considers Clara’s place in music history. Detailing her career, correspondences, and compositions, the musical traces her development as an artist and woman. What does it take to restore Clara to renown? Directed by Princeton junior Anna Allport.
Part of the Program in Theater’s New Works Festival, produced by Shariffa Ali.
Content warning: This production contains discussions and depictions of suicide.
Tickets and Details
Performances are free and open to Princeton students, faculty and staff. First come first served, no tickets required. PU ID required; attendees must sign-in and enter New South at the main entrance to the building facing Spelman Hall (North Entrance).
Get directions to the New South Acting Studio, room 110 at New South.
Photo Gallery 
Ethan Luk ’24 and Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 and Juliette Carbonnier ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Jay White ’24, Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 and Ally Wonski ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Jay White ’24, Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22, Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 and Juliette Carbonnier ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Juliette Carbonnier ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Jay White ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Ally Wonski '22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Ethan Luk ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
COVID-19 Guidance + Updates
Ethan Luk ’24 and Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 and Juliette Carbonnier ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Jay White ’24, Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 and Ally Wonski ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Jay White ’24, Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22, Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 and Juliette Carbonnier ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Leila Abou-Jaoude ’22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Tanaka Dunbar Ngwara ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Juliette Carbonnier ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Jay White ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Ally Wonski '22 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Ethan Luk ’24 in "Clara" by Leila Abou-Jaoude (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
Per Princeton University policy, all guests are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to the maximum extent, which now includes a COVID booster shot for all eligible to receive it, and to wear a mask when indoors. Actors may be unmasked when performing.
Accessibility
Visit our Venues and Studios section for accessibility information at our various locations. Guests in need of access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at 609-258-5262 or email LewisCenter@princeton.edu at least one week in advance of the event date.
