Carry the Mantle is a multimedia theatrical presentation by Artistic Director of Interference Arts, Craig Harris. Carry the Mantle explores how personal experiences and cultural stories shape our fight for a better world. The presentation weaves music, theater, and visuals into a narrative inspired by two stories – one about the story of the Prophet Elijah, a champion of justice who appears throughout time – the other, the story of the Tower of Babel, which reminds us of the challenge to come together to do something “meaningful, magnificent, magical… mystical before our differences drive us to dysfunction.” The presentation unfolds as a tapestry, combining stories and memories about the challenges and resilience of those facing hardship under occupation in Bethlehem/West Bank today. Carry the Mantle asks, “How can we find purpose and hope even in difficult times?”
Carry the Mantle is the latest in a series of theatrical presentations that Harris has created centered around the themes of the Prophet Elijah and the realities of occupation in Bethlehem/West Bank. In 2016, he staged Elijah in the Wadi, a presentation exploring the life, times, and character of the Prophet Elijah, who appears in the stories of all three Abrahamic religions – “the People of the Book.” Elijah in the Wadi was followed by SenseAbility, a work performed at Open Eye Figure Theatre in the fall of 2017 and in the fall of 2018 as part of Art to Change the World’s inaugural event “See. Say. DO.” SenseAbility explores how our personal experiences and cultural narratives help us navigate our ongoing struggle to make the world a better place. Inspired yet haunted by the voice of Elijah, Harris invites the Prophet of all time into our time, imagining him on a shared journey of transformation.
Carry the Mantle is a featured exhibit of Legacy Dream Space, a community-centered, interactive art exhibition presented by Interference Arts. The exhibition explores the theme of Legacy through a multimedia installation as well as an evolving program of performances, gatherings, and artworks. Carry the Mantle invites us to reflect on the topic of Legacy by raising awareness about the lasting impact of occupation on those residing in Bethlehem/West Bank as well as the enduring lessons of Elijah.
In 2024, Carry the Mantle was staged as a part of the Legacy Dream Space exhibition at Modus Locus Expansion. The presentation featured original music performed by Craig Harris with guest cellist Randall Davidson. On September 15 & 16, 2026, Craig and Randall performed excerpts from Carry the Mantle as part of Hear Their Voices, a special Legacy Dream Space event series.
Watch the Carry the Mantle Performance Trailer here.
Explore prior versions of Carry the Mantle:
SenseAbility
Elijah in the Wadi