The story of Sojourner Truth–an ex-slave abolitionist who lived in Florence, MA–has been told many times, but never like this.
On July 1 and 2 in the Black Box Theater, Old Deerfield Productions will present a development performance of an original folk opera about the life of Sojourner Truth. Truth features Evelyn Harris–formerly of the internationally acclaimed a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock–as the famous activist, with music by Paula M. Kimper and libretto by Talaya Delaney. According to Linda McInerney, Artistic Director of Old Deerfield Productions, “the opera focuses on the life of this complicated, brilliant woman who, though illiterate, was a relentless champion of those deprived of justice and freedom.”
The performance at Deerfield will feature a development workshop of Act I and excerpts from the rest of the opera. Talkbalks with the creators and performers will follow each performance to gather input from the audience. Shows start at 7:30pm; tickets will be sold at the door for $10 on a first come first serve basis.
The world premiere of Truth will take place at the Academy of Music in Northampton, MA, on February 16, 17, and 18, 2012. For more information about Truth, visit truthopera.com.
