Jubilee @ Seattle Opera (Seattle Center)
A world premiere opera. Not long after Emancipation and the end of the Civil War, the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers came together and changed music forever. Telling the story of the ensemble’s early members, this opera — which includes over 40 African American spirituals — follows them on their first tours, raising funds for the fledgling Fisk University and spreading their music around the world. From threats of violence to a pivotal performance for Queen Victoria, the singers share their personal histories through powerful vignettes full of humor, heartbreak, and hope.
Featuring an enduring storyline by renowned writer and director Tazewell Thompson (Blue, 2022), Jubilee showcases 13 singers performing spirituals such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Balm In Gilead,” “Deep River,” “Go Down, Moses,” “On Ma Journey Now,” “Wade In The Water,” “Steal Away,” “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel,” and many more. Originally conceived, written, and performed by enslaved peoples, these powerful and popular pieces have been an integral part of American music throughout history.
Reserved seating. Ticket prices vary by seat location ($42-$236), with pay-what-you-choose rush tickets available for 10/16 performance (see below).
*****
Created & directed by Tazewell Thompson
Vocal arrangements by Dianne Adams McDowell
Orchestrated by Michael Ellis Ingram
Cast: Tiffany Townsend, Aundi Marie Moore, Sarah Joyce Cooper, Ibidunni Ojikutu, Hannah Jones, Natalie Lewis, Lisa Arrindell, Tyrone Chambers II, Martin Luther Clark, Martin Bakari, Darren Drone, Greg Watkins, and Aubrey Allicock.
Run dates: opens 10/12, closing 10/26
Run time: 2 hours 40 minutes, with intermission
Accessible show dates: Pay-what-you-choose rush tickets offered for 10/16 show, available online and in-person (see PWYC & discount ticket information here). Discounted rush tickets offered for some groups at additional show dates (info here). Audio described performance on 10/20. All performances are open-captioned.
Venue accessibility info: Theatre & common areas are wheelchair accessible. Restrooms are multi-stall and gendered. One single-stall, gender-neutral restroom located near most main restrooms (house-right side). See accessibility info page here.
More to learn: Pre-show talks, pre-show lobby performances, and post-show talks with the creative team offered for most show dates; see schedule here.