Derek Lee McPhatter

A new cyber punk rock opera… water riot by @dmacpnumber1 & @mikeprzmatic Rocked the showcase after 5 days in a new work development process @apollotheater featuring @jameciabennett @theboseshow @montriawalker @alexa_grae @therealbarlow … supported by @natblacktheatre @hiartsnyc @nylivearts @thecaprinorthmpls @creative_capital @mcachicago with @kelleyngirod @jaymc86 @returnofthebop @johanna_eliz97 #wethepeople #collectiveimagination #forward

We sat down with writer @dmacpnumber1 for a closer look into Apollo Works in Process: water riot, a powerful new work confronting climate change, surveillance, resistance, and the fight to protect our most vital resource water. Set in a near-future Chicagoland, water riot follows an unlikely coalition of Black activists rising against an A.I. police state and the privatization of Lake Michigan. With a soundtrack rooted in the legacy of Black voices in rock, punk, and experimental music, the work moves audiences through the motions. Link in bio to secure your seat for tomorrow‼️

Water Riot, a cyberpunk rock opera is currently in development @apollotheater in Harlem. The work, created by @dmacpnumber1 & @mikeprzmatic takes on a future in peril, hinging on the reclamation of our connection with nature, and with one another. Proud to be collaborating with music director James Davis Jr and an ensemble of extraordinary artists: @jameciabennett @therealbarlow @theboseshow @montriawalker & @alexa_grae Production Stage Manager @returnofthebop Creative consultant @johanna_kepler Link in Bio

THIS MAY AT THE APOLLO: May 7: Apollo Comedy Club Season Closer featuring @calvonbrown , @dwightpryde , @mikerosscomedy , and host @stilettofunny May 8: Apollo Music Café: UPclose featuring @teedramoses May 14: @ApolloEdHarlem School Day Live Black Gumbo written by @maryob711 May 16: Water Riot written by @dmacpnumber1 Link in bio for tickets to our full Spring 2026 season lineup‼️

Drowning In The "Water Riot" Could Be A Good "Thang!" The WYATT! Podcast dives deep into timely, critical issues impacting Gay/SGL (Same-Gender-Loving) men, featuring a diverse set of LGBTQ movers, shakers, and change agents. It’s absorbing, informative, provocative, and sprinkled with sly, spicy (and sometimes a wee bit) scandalous humor! WYATT! podcast ( #Wyattonair ) returns with an eppy full of inspiration and motivation! /watch?v=qD6SGlRJ4jY Our special guest is Derek McPhatter (@dmacpnumber1 ), the award-winning creative artist, playwright, and screenwriter. He chats about his illustrious accomplishments and advises on how to keep your eyes on the prize—and excel. McPhatter writes and produces Black Speculative Performance for theater and digital media. He builds narratives at intersections of race, gender, sexuality, spirituality, and technology, often mediated through speculative fiction and Afro-surreal frameworks. Delving into the Black Speculative Arts Movement, McPhatter discusses its origins and impact. The creative states, "I create forward-facing work that centers my experience as a Queer Black man while inviting people of all backgrounds to imagine better futures." He expounds on that. So, get ready for an insightful and engaging new installment of WYATT! And always remember: WYATT! is ab-so-lute-ly @firecreekentertainment @thebearprotagonist @iamcrisean #prideindexdotcom #blackLGBTQwriters #blackgayauthors #blackauthors #LGBTQBlackAuthors #TalentedblackGaycontentcreators #blacklgbtqcreatives #AfricanAmericanLGBTQauthors @lgbtcreator #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtqia #lgbtq #pride #gay #instagay #gaypride #gaymen #gaystagram #SHATTEREDtheNovel #Wyattonair #thebearnetwork

Are you (or someone you know) an independent theatre maker who could use a little help? Apply for a grant from @ipichicago application window closes April 10th. Link in bio! #artistsupportartists #independenttheatre #chicagotheatre

Apply now, @ipichicago is accepting grant applications until April 10th! #independentartists #chicagotheatre #theatremakers

Wanna learn more? Join a brief info session Friday, March 6, link in bio! #grants for #independentartists #chicagotheatre

💧 STAGED READING: WATER RIOT a cyber punk rock opera in progress In collaboration with Honey Pot Performance, writer Derek Lee McPhatter invites you to a public reading of Water Riot — a radical vision set in a near-future Chicagoland, where Black activists rise against the privatization of Lake Michigan. This isn’t just a performance. It’s a call-in. An invitation to listen, reflect, and co-imagine what this piece can become. We welcome your feedback, your energy, and your ideas. The vision for Water Riot has evolved through an ensemble-driven, collaborative process — shaped by Derek alongside composer Mike Przygoda, music director Dionne McClain-Freeney, director Maija García, and a powerhouse group of performers and musicians. This staged reading is one piece of the larger build. Be part of shaping this experimental, musical meditation on resistance, water, and collective power. Register at link in bio!

I was so happy The UIC Freshwater Lab invited us to campus a few weeks ago to share water riot. This was a kick-off event for their fall semester and gave me some practice hosting the live-excerpt-performance version of the show. Performers: Genevieve VenJohnson, Jasmine Robertson Band: Steve Corley and Decoteau Black And the audience convo was fire!! Huge thanks to Rachel H, Omar G, and the rest of the team at Freshwater Lab for making it possible!

HIVE - Pilot Title sequence // 2020 Art Direction & Motion Design 3D Designers and besties- @greck_flores_ & isa_frabdel Huge thanks to the amazing directors- @rhymeswithbetter @two_coats @dmacpnumber1

Still reflecting on last night’s Peabody Awards Ceremony! Quinta Brunson, Mel Brooks, Reservation Dogs, The Hidden History of Racism in NYC… and STAR TREK, and more and more. Aymar is a juror for this prestigious award, and it was great to join him for an evening of celebration and inspiration. Congrats to the awardees and the whole team behind this endeavor. Plus, I got to walk that red carpet !! (Thanks for the look @devrnil !!)