Answering the Call
episode 1
HEROES, 2021
Featuring work by Hilliard and Boresi, Opera in the Heights, Resonance Works, and Lyric Opera of the North, this evening of opera films reflects upon those who have chosen acts of heroism and selflessness, and the cost of choosing to step up for those around you.
Heroes is recommended for viewers age 13 and up.
This episode contains images of police violence, alcohol use, and the use of one strong racial slur.
Hero Songs: The work
by Peter Hilliard and Matt Boresi
Commissioned by the Decameron Opera Coalition
Karen Slack, soprano
We cannot rest on the work of past heroes, nor should we lionize the dubious accomplishment of false heroes. We cannot assume tomorrow’s heroes will automatically appear. But the call to heroism does come - it will come. We will not be prepared and the burden will not be light… but someone must answer.
Unsung Activist
by Steve Wallace
Commissioned by Opera in the Heights - Houston, Texas
After Eldrewey Stearns passed away in December 2020, the Houston Chronicle obituary quoted his biographer Thomas R. Cole: “He was courageous. He was brilliant. He was the person who sparked the sit-in movement that led to desegregation, and he was flawed and troubled and suffered.” Composer/librettist Steve Wallace portrays Stearns raising the question, “How could I not? America made me this way.” UNSUNG ACTIVIST examines heroism borne of trauma, and how recognition for such heroism tends to fade even while the trauma lingers.
Letter to Our Children
by Justine F. Chen & Jacqueline Goldfinger
Commissioned by Resonance Works - Pittsburgh, PA
Some heroes wear a cape and mask, some write legislation or carry a protest sign, some appear when needed and disappear when the work is done. Letter to Our Children recognizes those people whose names may never be mentioned in history books, but who show up for us every day and make the world go round.
The Place
by Maria Thompson Corley & Sandra Oyinloye
Commissioned by Lyric Opera of the North - Duluth, Minnesota
‘The Place’ is a story of overcoming. Nia, Enitan, and Olive find themselves in a paradoxical space and go through the journey of self-discovery. Navigating unpredictable time and social conditions, they will have to discover what it takes to survive such a space. The Place is a story that emphasizes the heroic act of existing while passing strength, encouragement, healing, and stories to the next generation.