From Our Far-flung Correspondents Series:
Jubilee the Opera
Jubilee the Opera tells the rich history and story of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers. From the conception of the group to their tours across the globe to save their institution from financial ruin, the opera shows the viewer how black students from Nashville, Tennessee, triumphed through trials and tribulations, during the era of reconstruction.
There was a minimalist approach to staging and costumes. This approach not only allows the viewer to focus on the story, but it also foreshadows that their greatest possessions were not materials. Rather it was their relationship to their beautiful melodies. Tazewell Thompson, the director, did a wonderful job intertwining the concert spiritual into the storyline of the opera.
Technically, this body of work was presented like in opera. However, there were moments where it felt as if I was watching a musical. The role of Ella Sheppard, which was portrayed beautifully by Lisa Arrindell, also plays a southern white women, Queen Victoria, and George L. White. As these characters are introduced in the story they are speaking, and the ensemble is reacting. (See interview here) Historically, in opera if the librettist wants to bring out words they use recitatives. Understanding the backgrounds of Tazewell Thompson and Lisa Arrindell, I believe that for this body of work, they made the correct stylistic choice.
It was rather refreshing to see how the humanity of each individual was portrayed. Tazewell Thompson developed the plot of the story by introducing a love affair between two of the singers. While it did intensify the drama of the story line, it seemed misplaced due to a lack of a resolution. Understanding Ella Sheppard’s role with the ensemble, I wish I would have since her developed more. Taze did a wonderful a portraying her as a mother figure and educator, however there were time in which she accompanied the group on piano.
In telling the story of the original Fisk Jubilee Singers, Tazewell Thompson and the entire cast did a wonderful job of introducing the world to one of Nashville’s gems. This body of work is imperative in the rejuvenation and continuation of canon of concert spirituals.
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Andrew M. Davis is from Durham, North Carolina. In 2016 started his matriculation at Fisk University. During his time at Fisk University, he was a part of the multi-awarding winning Fisk Jubilee Singers, he was an assistant director for the Fisk University Choir, and he was an UNCF Mellon-Mays scholar. In 2022 Andrew graduated from Fisk University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. Currently, Andrew is working as an adjunct professor with the Fisk University Choir while working on a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Middle Tennessee State University
