Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story
A live story, music and theatre performance set against the September 11 attacks and the war that followed. A World Trade Center firefighter and an Afghanistan combat veteran relive their experiences and find an unexpected bond, with a live score led by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci. Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story brings audiences together with the arts serving as the ultimate source of healing and inspiration.
Real stories, live music, and the weight we carry
Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story
A "necessary and worthy mission." — General James Mattis, on Modern Warrior
Created by jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci and combat veteran Jaymes Poling, Behind the Lines brings together World Trade Center firefighter Bill Spade, the sole survivor from FDNY Rescue Company 5, and Poling, a three-tour Afghanistan veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division. Onstage they relive their experiences and find an unexpected bond in strength, meaning and the weight of what they carry after service.
The music serves as the internal voice of the piece. Performed live by a full ensemble led by Farinacci, the score pairs original compositions with reimagined works by Leonard Cohen, Gnarls Barkley, Tom Waits and more. Directed by Emmett Murphy (Cirque du Soleil, Modern Warrior), the production unfolds in a cinematic world of light and image inspired by synesthesia, mapping each shift in Bill and Jaymes' states of mind.
Behind the Lines is the latest production from Modern Warrior, which unites real stories, live music and theatre to explore loss, resilience and the unseen aftermath of life-changing experiences. Modern Warrior is a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient, has been featured on NPR and Fox News, presented at Amazon headquarters and opened for Brené Brown.
Why we love this show
- It's an honor to work with inspiring people who have served their country.
- The pacing and story are captivating, and the production value and music are superbly done, showing us the power of the arts as a source of healing.
- You feel like you've made a couple of new friends by the end of the performance.
On stage
Trumpeter shaped by Juilliard, Jazz at Lincoln Center and a TED Talk. The New York Times: "a trumpeter of abundant poise."
Three-tour Afghanistan combat veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division.
World Trade Center firefighter and sole survivor of Rescue Company 5, featured on CBS Sunday Morning and the BBC.
Cirque du Soleil, Clint Holmes, Modern Warrior.
A performance that brings communities together
Behind the Lines plays performing arts centers and universities, and Modern Warrior's flagship production, Modern Warrior LIVE, has toured extensively across the U.S.
2026 tour presenters
- Playhouse SquareCleveland, OH
- Pittsburgh Cultural TrustPittsburgh, PA
- Irvine Barclay TheatreIrvine, CA
- Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX
- Coppell Arts CenterCoppell, TX
- University of Florida Performing ArtsGainesville, FL
- The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts CenterThe Villages, FL
- Arts GarageDelray Beach, FL
- University of Pittsburgh at BradfordBradford, PA
- Commonwealth University BloomsburgBloomsburg, PA
Bring Behind the Lines to your stage
New Sound Arts can help you plan a performance and community engagement around Behind the Lines for your season, campus or veterans programming.
mike@newsoundarts.com
marie@newsoundarts.com
TOUR DATES