Thursday, July 9, 2009

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An inspiring look into the life of a rural African American community By STAFF WRITER ~ Nassau Guardian: A departure from the traditional European opera by Verdi or Puccini, Joplin's African American production, directed by Cleveland Williams, will commemorate Bahamian independence and aid local charities Nearly 100 years after it was written, Scott Joplin's opera Treemonisha will debut in The Bahamas at the Dundas Centre for The Performing Arts on Monday, July 6. Under the direction of Dr. Cleveland Williams, Joplin's three-act opera will be performed by an all-Bahamian cast of more than 57 artists in commemoration of the 36th anniversary of Bahamian independence. Gala night proceeds will benefit the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. The story is an inspiring look into the life of a rural African American community whose townspeople, led by young heroine Treemonisha, advance themselves in the post-slavery era by rejecting long-held superstitions and deep-rooted ignorance in favor of hard work and a commitment to education. Joplin completed Treemonisha in 1905, but was unable to find publishers for the two-hour composition. In 1911, he utilized his own funds to publish the music, but the composition was never performed during his lifetime. The work lay dormant until the world premiere took place on January 27, 1972 — a joint production between the Morehouse College Music Department and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in Atlanta, Georgia. Treemonisha waited some 60 years for its first professional production by Houston Grand Opera Company in 1975 and was a smashing success. Pleased with the success of the opera, the company reproduced and performed it in 1978 at Miller's Outdoor Theatre. Williams, then a sophomore at Prairie View A&M University, and vocal student of the late Dr. Robert Henry, was cast in the role of Luddud. In 1995, he performed the role of Ned at the Battersea Art Centre with the London Opera Company and has since held a sentimental attachment to the piece. "I felt an overpowering desire to bring Scott Joplin's timeless gift to life on the Bahamian stage, being inspired by the many themes that run throughout the opera such as religion, storytelling, superstition and ignorance versus education, the healing power of forgiveness, and the example of a people's advancement through learning," said Williams of his choice in producing the opera. "It was a story of inspiration for the African American community in Joplin's time and it's still relevant for The Bahamas today. This opera will showcase our cultural growth and artistic abilities as artists and musicians in 36 years of Bahamian Independence." The performance of Treemonisha is one of many local activities planned to mark the 36th anniversary of independence, and features Nikita Thompson Wells and Candace Bostwick in the title role, Lisa Fritz Charles as Lucy, Portia Barnet and Lillian Bastian as Monisha, Kermit Strachan as Ned, Phillip Johnson as Zozertrick, Robert (Bobby) Pinder as Simon, Julian Johnson as Luddud, Allan Butler as Parson All-Talk, Brian J. Fernander and Stephen Albury as Andy, and Freeman Seymour as Cephus. Treemonisha is widely believed to contain some of the greatest ragtime music ever written and provides a solid foundation for a fine group of singers, however, not to be missing is the dancing that will carry this production from the fine to the sublime with the full collaboration of The Bahamas National Dance Company, recipients of the proceeds of the Closing Night's performance in aid of their upcoming trip to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival in the United Kingdom. Treemonisha's Opening Night is being performed as a fundraiser for the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. Chairman of the Heart Foundation, R. E. Barnes, said, "We are happy to be working with the producer and entire cast of Scott Joplin's famous opera, Treemonisha, and thrilled that they are willing to assist the Heart Foundation in its mission to help children with cardiac disease receive medical care and treatment." Robert Bain, artistic director and founder of the company, is the production's choreographer. Musicians include Jeffrey Sturrup, Kendrick Coleby, and Dexter Fernander, the orchestra is prepared by Dennis Sturrup. Joplin's Treemonisha will be performed at 8 p.m. nightly July 6-8 and 11 at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts. For ticket information, contact the box office at 394-7179 or 393-3728. Monday, June 15,2009