Opera, at its core, is a way to tell a story through music and singing, and since its invention in late 16th-century Italy, it has continued to evolve. In fact, there’s a growing trend of opera companies that have become more inclusive and actively begun looking for ways to increase their support within the Black community, both as subscription holders and in overall audience numbers.
Some American opera companies have addressed historical biases in the art form by showcasing diverse stories and casting more Black artists both on and off stage–and the results have been impressive. One example is the Virginia Opera which recently marked its 50th anniversary with the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia” – an opera that features several gifted Black singers with music composed by an African American, Damien Geter, and is directed by the world-renowned mezzo-soprano and native Washingtonian, Denyce Graves.
Yes, the music is amazing, the direction and staging are superb, and the singers are supremely talented. But it’s the true story on which this opera is based that we believe will one day result in “Loving v. Virginia” joining the ranks of some of the world’s most beloved operatic love stories – from “La Bohème” and “Madama Butterfly,” to “Aida.”
One June 12, 1967, in the Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia, SCOTUS ruled that all state laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional, violating the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case involved Richard and Mildred Loving, who were convicted under Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act for their interracial marriage. To avoid being imprisoned, they agreed to leave their home, family and friends in Caroline County, Virginia, and moved to Washington, D.C.
A further stipulation of the ruling: they could not return to Virginia for 25 years. Facing financial hardship and despite being isolated from their family, the Lovings refused to abandon their dream of building a life together and raising children. In the end, love conquered all.
What a testimony and what a slice of history to bring to the operatic stage. And given the pain they endured and the steps they took to remain together, one thing seems clear: For them, love was more than a thing (a noun) – it was a verb (action).
