Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center presents:

Friday, April 23, 7:30pm
UM SCHOOL OF MUSIC
MARYLAND OPERA STUDIO
SHADOWBOXER: AN OPERA BASED ON THE LIFE OF JOE LOUIS
music by Frank Proto
libretto by John Chenault
lighting design by Nancy Schertler
conducted by Timothy Long
directed by Leon Major

Joe Louis,”The Brown Bomber,” became an American hero in an era when a black idol was unthinkable, but when the bell has rung and the gloves are off, how is a hero remembered? Joe Louis was much more than a boxer; he was a symbol of democracy in a time of political unrest. His fights weren’t simply viewed as crushing contests between astounding athletes, but as a clash of the titans of a different sort – of nations and ideologies at war. Although he was hailed as a hero, Louis still felt the stinging blows of racism, acting with an unmatched generosity that ultimately became one of his downfalls.

Knocking out traditional concepts of the genre, Shadowboxer is a uniquely visual, jazz-infused opera. A world premiere production, it features not only a cast, chorus and pit orchestra but includes an onstage 8-piece jazz ensemble. This will be augmented by projected images onto screens and cast members as well as radio broadcasts from Louis’s fights for a compelling tapestry of sounds and sights.

KAY THEATRE
TICKETS: $32
More information: click here

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