On this episode of the Mississippi Arts Hour, Leslie talks with the 2026 Governor’s Arts Award recipient for Excellence in Music Composition, Heather Christian. Heather is a composer, lyricist, playwright, and performer creating music-centered shows and rituals. She is a Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and two-time Obie Award winner. Most recently, Heather was named a MacArthur Fellow, an honor commonly known as the “Genius Grant.”

The interview was recorded in September at the Signature Theatre in New York City, where Heather is currently an artist in residence. Join us for our conversation as Heather shares stories about growing up in Natchez, ghosts, sacred spaces, and, of course, her creative process.

To hear the songs mentioned in this episode, visit: https://heatherchristian.bandcamp.com/album/animal-wisdom-soundtrack-and-live-requiem

Listen by subscribing to the Mississippi Arts Hour podcast through your favorite podcast app, or listen online at http://msartshour.mpbonline.org/