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Looking for Violeta

Quantum makes a world premiere based on the life, music, and multi-dimensional art of Violeta Parra. Pablo Neruda introduced her authentic interpretation of Chilean folk music to the world. Joan Baez sang her songs and emulated her activism. The Louvre exhibited her embroideries. And yet she eludes easy understanding, so we take the attitude of her brother, poet Nicanor Parra, and seek her essence in hauntingly beautiful music. Parra elevated all South American people, her music synonymous with protest movements that resisted dictatorships and improved the lives of thousands. Learn more about her life.

This performance has passed.

About the experience

We’ve erected a tent – a Quantum first – in Frick Park, representative of Violeta’s peñas – where music and dancing, food and drink provided cover for activism. Make an evening of your experience by dining pre-show at our restaurant partner, Larder, or picnic in beautiful Frick park. Food Trucks will be on-site during select performances starting 2 hours before performance time.

August 1, 4 – La Palapa
August 8, 14, and 21 – Taquitos

After you eat,  join us under the tent (in our comfortable chairs and glass of complimentary sangria in-hand) to celebrate Violeta’s inspiration, in six-part harmony with a live four-piece band.

Logo for The Larder restaurant in East End Brewery

Larder is Quantum Theatre’s restaurant partner for Looking for Violeta.

Larder is chef Justin Severino and Hilary Prescott Severino’s casual, counter-service restaurant inside East End Brewing’s tasting room in the Larimer neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA. The menu features barbecue, rustic sandwiches and European pub fare that perfectly complements brewer Scott Smith’s award-winning beers.

Let your server know that you are dining before attending a performance of Looking for Violeta and a portion of your check will be donated back to support our work!

The Incline

The Incline is a media sponsor of Looking for Violeta’s Social Q performance.

The Incline helps curious locals make the most of Pittsburgh. We deliver relevant, original, and actionable news and events straight to your inbox, and we also elevate other useful news about our city. Subscribe to The Incline to be in the know about other events in Pittsburgh.

Join Quantum and The Incline at Social Q at East End Brewing – have a beer before the show on us with live music. Get your ticket here and select Social Q -Reception and Performance.

Looking for Violeta in the news

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Lonnie the Theatre Lady

Review: Looking for Violata, Quantum Theatre

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta | No Comments
'Burgh Vivant - A “beautiful, moving, powerful world premiere” – Lonnie the Theater Lady talks Quantum Theatre’s LOOKING FOR VIOLETA, performing through August 25, 2019. Watch the video here.
Violeta and Brother

Who are Violeta and Nicanor Parra?

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta | One Comment
Violeta Parra was born October 4, 1917 and died by her own hand February 5, 1967. She was a Chilean composer, songwriter, folklorist, ethnomusicologist and visual artist. Violeta pioneered the…
Looking for Violeta Parra dancers

Review: Quantum’s musical quest for Violeta Parra

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta | No Comments
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - The spirited sounds emanating from the white tent, heard by the Frick Park lawn bowling green, must be confusing to curious passersby, perhaps attracted by the beautiful…
Cast images of Violeta

In ‘Looking for Violeta’ Quantum Theatre Finds a Fascinating Musical

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta | No Comments
Entertainment Central Pittsburgh - Quantum Theatre opened its 2019-2020 season Saturday night with Looking for Violeta. Like their last play of the previous season, King Lear at Carrie furnaces, Violeta is also being staged in…
actors in old film

Looking for Violeta celebrates the political legacy of Chilean folk artist Violeta Parra

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta | No Comments
Pittsburgh City Paper - At some point during the 80-minute running time of Quantum Theatre’s Looking for Violeta, the sun sets outside the tent on the Frick Park Lawn Bowling Greens,…
Looking for Violeta video

Quantum Theatre searches for musical activist Violeta Parra in new “folk opera”

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta, Watch | No Comments
Pittsburgh City Paper - Quantum Theatre has done plenty of shows outside in the elements over the years, but this is the company's first time putting a barrier between the performers and…
Looking for Violeta

What did you think of Looking for Violeta?

| 2019-2020 Season, Looking for Violeta | 5 Comments
We hope you enjoyed your Quantum experience and we’d love to hear your thoughts on Looking for Violeta. Leave a comment below and tell us what you liked, disliked, or anything…