Before the curtain rises at Lisner Auditorium this weekend, Washington Informer readers received a first look at the Washington National Opera’s (WNO) adaptations of “Treemonisha” and “The Crucible” at Busboys and Poets Takoma in Washington.
The Washington National Opera, in partnership with The Washington Informer, hosted a Spring Preview Performance and Q&A on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
The evening featured preview excerpts from “Treemonisha,” the only surviving opera by Scott Joplin, and “The Crucible,” the timeless drama centered on the Salem witch trials — both coming to the nation’s capital this month.
Three-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, who sings the role of Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible,” said she was eager to perform ahead of opening night.
“I’m very excited to be back in the D.C. area to sing with this incredible opera company,” she told The Informer. “We came out to bring opera to the community in hopes that they will come out to the opera. I know they will.”
Bridges said the role has been emotionally demanding, as her character navigates her husband’s infidelity and accusations of witchcraft during a deeply polarized time.
“Preparing for this role has been quite emotional, it’s intense,” she said.
Originally composed in 1911, “Treemonisha” follows a young Black woman who leads her community through education and empowerment — themes that continue to resonate more than a century later.
WNO’s staging brings renewed energy to the ragtime-infused opera, underscoring its cultural and historical significance.
Viviana Goodwin, the soprano who sings the title role in “Treemonisha,” described the production process as both demanding and exhilarating.
“The rehearsal process has been a whirlwind,” Goodwin told The Informer.
Meanwhile, Fox sports reporter Kelsey Nicole Nelson, who hosted the Feb. 26 event, praised the opportunity to highlight Black artists in an often underrepresented field.
“To end Black History Month with a bang like this, it’s nothing greater,” Nelson told The Informer. “The arts have such an important role, and I love things that connect people.”
With “Treemonisha” kicking off the run this weekend, Goodwin touted hopes for the adaptation, premiering at Lisner Auditorium March 7, 8 and 15.
“I hope that [everyone] here comes out to see the show. It’s going to be a fantastic production,” Goodwin said. “We [wanted] to reach out to the community and just share some of the story with them.”