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In 1807, a 37-year-old scholar living in West Africa was captured and forced aboard a slave ship bound for Charleston, South Carolina. Omar Ibn Said's life and Muslim faith are remembered and retold in this inspirational West Coast premiere inspired by his remarkable 1831 autobiography (the only known surviving American slave narrative written in Arabic).Set in the shifting darkness of memory and imagination, Omar follows his compelling journey from a peaceful life in his homeland to enslavement in a violent, foreign world. Lost in the wilderness of his thoughts and his stolen life, he's haunted by memories of his family and the people he encounters along the way. Through it all, he somehow remains true to himself and his faith, against all odds. The luminous scorecomposed by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abelsincorporates distinctive West African traditions with traditional opera instrumentation.Tenor Jamez McCorkle makes his company debut in the title role, with bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch in a double role as two very different slave masters. Norman Garrett makes his company debut as Omar's brother, with Barry Banks as the auctioneer and Jacqueline Echols as Julie, an enslaved woman who gives Omar the key to a better life.Learn more about the creative process of Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels in this New York Times article.Sung in English with English subtitles.
News About Omar at LA Opera
Video: New Trailer For LA Opera's HIGHWAY 1, USA & THE DWARF Double Bill
February 26, 2024Get a first look at an all-new trailer for LA Opera's new production of an operatic double bill featuring William Grant Still's Highway 1, USA along with Alexander Zemlinsky's The Dwarf.
Video: Director Kaneza Schaal on Staging HIGHWAY 1, USA at LA Opera
February 14, 2024Watch as director Kaneza Schaal talks about about LA Opera's new production of William Grant Still's Highway 1, USA performing as the first part of an operatic double bill with Alexander Zemlinsky's The Dwarf. Feb. 24 to Mar. 17.
LA Opera 2024/25 Season to Include ROMEO AND JULIET, Concerts from Kelli O'Hara and Kristin Chenoweth, and More
February 03, 2024LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch has announced details for the company's 39th season. Music Director James Conlon will conduct three of the five mainstage productions, with other mainstage performances led by Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados and by guest conductor Domingo Hindoyan.
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
December 26, 2023It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!
December 18, 2023There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 44: THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL, 1984, House of Bards Theatre Company & More Lead!
December 11, 2023It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards December 5th Standings; INTO THE WOODS Leads Best Musical!
December 05, 2023It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; 1984 Leads Best Play!
November 27, 2023Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Leads Best Musical!
November 20, 2023The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; House of Bards Theatre Company Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
November 13, 2023The first wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 13th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
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