Premieres Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 / Stream now with the PBS App
"The Voodoo of Hell's Half-Acre - A Blues Poetry Opera" honors the art and legacy of world-renowned author, essayist and poet Richard Wright. He was among millions of African Americans who trekked northward during the historic first Great Migration out of southern U.S. cities. The opera's main title is derived from a short story Wright published at age 15.
A live multimedia theatrical presentation chronicling the story of Mr. Wright from his migration from Mississippi to the decade he spent in Chicago from 1927-1937. The performance involves a ten-piece ensemble that features spoken word poetry, singing, saxophone, piano, upright bass and drums. Musical interludes enhance and animate the 90-minute, six-movement opera.
Presented by WFYI. Distributed by American Public Television.
American Public Television
Related Interview:
Ernest Disney-Britton, vice president of community impact & investment at the Arts Council, talks with Lasana D. Kazembe, author of the live, multimedia theatrical presentation that honors the life, art, and creative legacy of novelist and poet Richard Wright, and Judith Thomas, deputy mayor of neighborhood engagement with the City of Indianapolis.
