Opera Carolina Brings the Story of MLK, Jr. To The Stage With Their Latest Production: "I Dream"
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on March 16, 2018 In Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assasination, Hear The Story Behind The Civil Rights Icon Whose Life Changed Our World In a world where we are bombarded with disturbing images from the Charlottesville riot and Columbia church massacre, where Confederate flags, statues and symbols of our country’s divided past still stand, and where countless innocent people of color and allies have been murdered in the streets, it is easy to forget that there is always hope for a brighter and more united future together. A future where we achieve peace. A future with more activists like Bree Newsome. A future where #blacklivesmatter. A future that Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of and one that Opera Carolina explores in their newest production of ‘I Dream’ presented by Novant Health. ‘I Dream’- the story of a preacher from Atlanta- is an original Rhythm and Blues opera being launched to commemorate the 50th year of Dr. King’s assassination in April 1938, Opera Carolina, Season Sponsor Wells Fargo Private Bank and “I Dream” Title Sponsor Novant Health are privileged to bring this new visionary work to audiences of all ages. Opera Carolina’s General Director & Principal Conductor James Meena expressed his enthusiasm for working with world renowned director Douglas Tappin. “This Rhythm and Blues opera is something new and fresh… unlike any other work that our community has seen and we know that all audience members will love ‘I Dream’. I am confident in Tappin’s vision for this work – as a piece of music theater that expresses the importance of leadership and courage in difficult times. “I Dream” commemorates the death of Dr. King while celebrating his life’s work.” “I was inspired to write the score for ‘I Dream’ while living in Atlanta and being immersed into the rich history, first-person accounts and living history that exists there. I knew it would offer some new details into the very real struggles that Dr. King faced. I also knew that it would highlight the courage, compassion and humanity that it took for him to envision a better world—one that he tirelessly worked for, hand in hand with allies from all races, religions, and backgrounds until his untimely death 50 years ago,” said Director, Douglas Tappin. “It’s a story about yesterday for today— and I hope that it inspires this generation and the next to continue in our pursuit of justice for all Americans.” “I Dream” focuses on the thirty-six hours leading up to Dr. King’s assassination on April 4, 1968 and a series of dreams, reminiscence, and premonitions of respect of his life leading up to that point, and beyond, right to that fateful moment on the balcony of Memphis’ Lorraine Motel. To enhance the “I Dream” experience, Opera Carolina and CBI (Community Building Initiative), with the support of the Leon Levine Foundation and the Philip L. Van Every Foundation, are creating community Previews and Dialogues to bring people together for positive reflection on the opera and Dr. King’s legacy. Be sure to support this awesome and inspiring production during its Spring debut in Charlotte- “I Dream” performs at the Knight Theater on the Levine Campus for the Arts on May 18, 19, 20, 24 & 25, 2018. Opera Carolina’s I Dream opens at the Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts on Friday May 18th. Additional performances on May 19, 20, 24 & 25, 2018. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.operacarolina.org. About Opera Carolina Founded in 1948 by the Charlotte Music Club as a small group of volunteers, today Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of more than $2.8 million for the fiscal year 2017. The mission of Opera Carolina is to inspire the region’s diverse community through the presentation of Opera, Operetta and Education programs that elevate the quality of life in the Carolinas. Opera Carolina has a commitment to artistic excellence and community service. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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