(NEWARK, NJ) -- Trilogy: An Opera Company presents Michael Raphael’s Nat Turner, an opera inspired by the leader of a rebellion of enslaved people in 1831. The free performance takes place on April 23 at 4:00pm at Central High School in Newark.
Trilogy founder Kevin Maynor produces and stars as Turner. The cast features Geraldine McMillian, Chisom Maduakor, Fred Redd, Lawrence Craig, Keaun Guy, Heather Bobeck, Kevin Courtemanche and Anderson Rodriguez. John Scutchins directs; Julius Williams conducts the New Jersey Symphony. The Alfred Gallman Dance Theater performs original choreography.
The performance is free. Patrons can register for tickets in advance here.
The event venue, Central High School, is located at 246 18th Avenue in Newark, NJ. Street parking is available; there is limited parking in the school parking lot.
Safety protocols for Central High School require wearing masks inside the venue.
More information is available at njsymphony.org/natturner.
Program Information
The cast includes Kevin Maynor (Nat Turner); Geraldine McMillian (Nat’s Mother); Chisom Maduakor (Sam); Fred Redd (Hark); Lawrence Craig (Henry); Keaun Guy (Nelson); Heather Bobeck (Sally); Kevin Courtemanche (Joseph); Anderson Rodriguez (Putnam).
The production team includes John Scutchins, director; Julius Williams, conductor; Alfred Gallman, choreographer; Alfred Gallman Dance Theater ballet; New Jersey Symphony; Kevin Maynor. producer.
The PSEG Foundation generously sponsors the New Jersey Symphony’s collaboration on this performance.
Trilogy: An Opera Company (aoc) focuses on the works of Black composers and subject matter relative to the Black experience. Trilogy has brought forth some 30 new operatic works by composers such as Dorothy Rudd Moore, Michael Raphael, Julius Williams Trevor Weston, Adolphus Hailstork, Anthony Davis, Dwayne Fulton, Trent Johnson, Richard Thompson, Ulysses Kay and Scott Joplin. This year, we will do works by H. Leslie Adams and Dwayne Fulton. Trilogy aoc has done more new fully staged operatic works by Americans than any other company. We have brought forth more stories of Black people than anyone. Our Ring cycle featuring African Americans was the first Ring by Richard Wagner, ever in the state. Trilogy has developed black singers, directors, producers, designers, lighting designers, video editors, costume designers, instrumentalists, videographers, fight coordinators and hair/makeup/wig artists, as well as stage managers. We have put children on and behind the stage. We have met the needs of all people, exposing all people to our brand. The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Victoria Foundation and New Jersey State Council on the Arts are major supporters of Trilogy: An Opera Company.
The New Jersey Symphony will redefine what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. Through adventurous performances, hands-on educational experiences and robust community programming, we encourage everyone to enjoy the power and creativity of orchestral music in all its forms. Across genres and venues, for audiences of all walks of life, we strive to bring music that’s meaningful to you, to you.
