A. J. Fletcher Opera Theater

A new play with music starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves! North Carolina-born trailblazer Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in the mid-20th century, creating unprecedented opportunities for Black artists and audiences across America. One evening in 1943, the company is scheduled to perform Carmen on a floating barge on the Potomac River. When inclement weather threatens to force the performance into a segregated hall, Mary must navigate the raging storms to ensure the show goes on.

A new play with music starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves! North Carolina-born trailblazer Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in the mid-20th century, creating unprecedented opportunities for Black artists and audiences across America. One evening in 1943, the company is scheduled to perform Carmen on a floating barge on the Potomac River. When inclement weather threatens to force the performance into a segregated hall, Mary must navigate the raging storms to ensure the show goes on.

A new play with music starring acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves! North Carolina-born trailblazer Mary Cardwell Dawson founded the National Negro Opera Company in the mid-20th century, creating unprecedented opportunities for Black artists and audiences across America. One evening in 1943, the company is scheduled to perform Carmen on a floating barge on the Potomac River. When inclement weather threatens to force the performance into a segregated hall, Mary must navigate the raging storms to ensure the show goes on.