March 30th 2024.
The highly-anticipated opera, "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X," has been receiving glowing reviews since its recent run at Seattle Opera's McCaw Hall. This production is part of a larger effort to showcase more diverse and inclusive content for Black audiences.
As the first opera by a Black composer to grace Seattle Opera's mainstage, "X" is a significant step towards bringing Black stories to the forefront. It has also provided a platform for the cast and members of the Black community to reflect on the importance of producing such an opera in today's world, and their hopes for future stories to be told.
The opera was composed by Anthony Davis, with a libretto by renowned playwright Thulani Davis. This groundbreaking production is a collaboration between the Metropolitan Opera, Detroit Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opera Omaha, and Seattle Opera.
The cast of "The Life and Times of Malcolm X" includes Jace Johnson, who portrays Malcolm Little, and Leah Hopkins, who takes on the dual roles of Malcolm's mother, Louise Little, and his wife, Betty Shabazz. Kenneth Kellogg mesmerized the audience with his powerful and resonant voice as adult Malcolm X.
The opera incorporates a variety of musical genres, including jazz and Afrobeat, to tell the story of Malcolm X's life. Act I delves into his traumatic childhood, where he was orphaned at a young age after his father was killed in a racially-motivated hate crime, and his mother was institutionalized after a mental breakdown.
The play then follows Malcolm as he moves to Boston and later Harlem, where he becomes involved in criminal activities before serving a seven-year prison sentence. It was during this time that he joined the Nation of Islam and eventually became one of the most influential leaders in history.
Renowned choreographer Rickey Tripp led the dancers, while costume designer Dede Ayite's stunning period costumes helped bring the story to life.
One attendee, Micah J, shared how the opera made him feel seen as a Black man. He praised its ability to educate and inspire through an elegant medium. However, he also expressed concern that some white audience members may not fully grasp the significance of Malcolm X's life and legacy to the Black community.
"X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X" premiered in Seattle on February 24 and ran until March 9. Its powerful storytelling and captivating performances have left a lasting impact on audiences, and it is a testament to the power of the arts in bringing important stories to light.
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