Illuminating the courageous life of 19th-century sculptor Edmonia Lewis
Commissioned by Toni Morrison
featuring student performers from
The Governor's School for the Arts Vocal & Instrumental Music Departments
Stephen Coxe, conductor
Shelly Milam-Ratliff, stage director

“My art will stand tall, tall as justice is true.”

Edmonia Lewis’ life is a remarkable American story of a college girl who overcomes near insurmountable barriers to attain international reputation as a sculptor. Undaunted by tremendous obstacles in her path as a Black and Native American (Ojibwe) woman in the 19th century, she rose to celebrity and acclaim. The dramatic success of Lewis’s career is perhaps only surpassed by the astounding drama of her life. She was accused of attempted murder by poisoning, befriended by Frederick Douglass, boldly traveled abroad as a single, Black female, and gained the respect of the art world.

Lewis’s art was tragically forgotten for generations until a sculpture was uncovered by a gardener in the overgrown brush of a public park. Now her works are on view in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and more. Don’t miss this rich, modern opera that embraces a sophisticated story, grand theater, and popular and classical musical styles — a musical adventure you’ll long remember.

Co-presented with