Ramin Akhavijou’s Ego Is A Mind-Bending Musical Masterpiece
(Pittsburgh, PA) February 18, 2025— This March, the New Hazlett Theater invites audiences to the premiere of EGO, composer Ramin Akhavijou’s revolutionary musical journey through the intersection of identity and technology.
This mind-bending sound exploration takes place March 20-21.
Ego, a unique theater-opera-movie installation, weaves music as the central connecting thread. Audiences will encounter a seamless blend of avant-garde soundscapes and psychological explorations of the influence of artificial intelligence.
“Ego combines the elements of music, theater, technology, visual arts, and interactive media. It’s for anyone who is interested in exploring new and different things.” says Akhavijou.
The show features three characters: Id, Ego, and Superego, representing different facets of the same person. Through the production, viewers will witness internal conflict amongst the three characters, culminating in a surprising ending.
“Ramin Akhavijou has composed a visionary piece that is as futuristic as it is profound. As a director on the project, I knew I was stepping into uncharted territory — one that pushed the boundaries of what I thought possible in performance. Ramin’s work is nothing short of inspiring, encouraging us to rethink not just the nature of selfhood, but the very essence of the human experience in a world increasingly shaped by technology. I’m proud to be part of The New Hazlett Theater, a space unafraid to embrace and explore groundbreaking work like this that challenges the status quo and sparks deeper reflection.” Ego Co-Director and New Hazlett Theater Artistic Producer Melissa Cardello-Linton says.
______________________
Playing Ego is renowned Pittsburgh stage and screen actress Hazel Carr Leroy. For many years, she was an adjunct professor of theatre history at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. She has appeared in many improvisational projects, immersive projects, independent & student films, and stage roles with various Pittsburgh companies.
______________________
“I felt a connection with Ramin when I first heard his work on the Apis project last year. But when I first met with him about Ego I felt an immediate kinship. His mind is moving in so many directions–some of which I can never hope to fully understand. I do, however, understand the desire that some people have to leave something of themselves behind . . . and the doubts that one might have about whether this AI legacy is truth or manipulation.” says Leroy.
______________________
Joining the cast will be giant self-designed instruments, showcasing Akhavijou’s gift of curating unconventional performances. It is Ramin’s hope that audiences will be inspired to examine the role of digital influence in their own lives.
“I hope the audience walks away questioning their own relationship with technology and identity,” states Akhavijou. “Ego is really meant to spark introspection about how we control or are controlled by our desires and the digital worlds we are part of.”
Ego is the second of three productions in the Theater’s 2025 Community Supported Art (CSA) performance series. Now in its 12th season, the CSA allows emerging artists like Akhavijou to develop new work for the New Hazlett stage.
______________________
Ego has three showings only: Thursday, March 20 at 8 PM and Friday, March 21st at 10 AM & 8 PM. Individual tickets are available for purchase on the New Hazlett website. Tickets range from $20–$34.
Subscriptions are available for purchase on the New Hazlett website.
______________________
Meet the Artist
Ramin Akhavijou (he/him) is a musician, technologist, instrument designer, and multimedia artist. His compositional work and research are driven by the dialectic interrelation between sounds, a central concern and motivator in his artistic journey. Through various interdisciplinary projects, he investigates this interrelation scientifically, blending his passion for science and technology with his diverse compositional paths.
______________________
2024/2025 Season Lineup:
Up Next
Ego
An interactive experience composed by Ramin Akhavijou
Step into the future with an interactive fusion of music, technology, and art.
March 20–21, 2025
Dragonfly Dawn
A captivating concert by Joanna Abel
An ethereal dance journey through enchanted battlegrounds of good versus evil.
April 24–25, 2025
Completed
My Sister’s Lipstick
A play by Anna King Skeels
An intimate tale of sibling bonds, queer repression, and a Judy Garland obsession.
January 30–31, 2025
______________________
Accessible seating and assistive listening devices are available for all CSA Season 12 productions.
The New Hazlett Theater is also eager to invite student groups to the theater, including talkbacks with the artists.
Please email Nathan Wagner with any questions.
______________________
Season art & design: Bootstrap Design Co. | CSA Season 12 Artist Portraits: Matt Dyak | Performance photos: Renee Rosensteel
Supporting sponsor: CapTrust
______________________
About Community Support Art (CSA)
Since 2013, the New Hazlett Theater’s CSA Performance Series has brought emerging and mid-career performing artists to the stage. We’re passionate about providing a space for Pittsburgh’s amazing pool of creative talent to develop, collaborate, grow, and flourish. From dance to music and original plays to experimental animation, our CSA pushes the boundaries of performance at every show. For more information, visit https://newhazletttheater.org/csa
About The New Hazlett Theater
The New Hazlett Theater is more than a beautifully restored historic building. We’re a nonprofit organization working to nurture and promote art in Pittsburgh through innovation and collaboration. As a creative hub for a diverse range of artists, audiences, and performances, we provide vital resources to creators to enrich our cultural community. For more information on who we are and what we do, please visit www.newhazletttheater.org