The Story Behind the Creation of Art is a Verb
This brand-new opera demonstrates art’s profound capability to propel meaningful change.
Where does art come from? And what makes it powerful enough to make an impact on our lives? The concept of art as a medium for progress is as storied as time itself. Time and again art has proven it is one of the most powerful engines for change that we have, capable of telling stories and conveying meaning in a way that words alone simply cannot.
The impetus behind great works of art all starts somewhere, and the brand-new opera Art is a Verb looks to explore just that. A celebration of the beauty of music and its power to change the world, Art is a Verb is organized into five sections: the introduction of the theme, the story of each of the artist’s journey to opera, a response to the murder of George Floyd, a look at the future of opera, and finally a return to the theme of art as a means for change.
“The piece was created in collaboration with the vocalists via group conversations, one-on-one conversations and email,” said Harrison Rivers, the librettist of the piece. “It felt important to capture their voices, their individual stories and experiences, as well as showcase their talents.”
The piece features four vocalists: soprano Karen Slack, tenor Andy Acosta, baritone Sidney Outlaw, and baritone Andy Wilkowske. Each singer chose a song that is meaningful to them to include in the libretto alongside the original music composed by B.E. Boykin.
Art is a Verb highlights the ways in which art like opera can drive change forward, with a particular focus on the effects the murder of George Floyd has had on the Black community and the need for equitable change around the country.
“I wasn’t even thinking about singing,” Karen Slack said. “Singing was the last thing on my mind. And then George Floyd was murdered…and suddenly singing was the only thing I could think to do.”
This piece comes at a time when the broader opera community continues to have conversations around representation in the stories told and the people who are included onstage.
“We need to be IN the community and OF the community,” Sidney Outlaw said. “If you want your audience to be engaged, then you have to tell their stories on your stage.”
“Art is a home, and we need to make it a better home for artists in general and particularly artists of color,” added director Lily Tung Crystal. “Ultimately art is a microcosm for what we should be fighting for in society at large.”
Art is a Verb debuts as part of the 2021 MN Opera Virtual Benefit on Saturday, February 27. The event as a whole is free to the public, with a pre-show beginning at 6:30pm and the main program at 7pm. For more information on the event, visit mnopera.org/virtual-benefit.
