Newark-based Trilogy: an Opera Company spotlights Black people in their original operas, presents the World Premiere of Fannie Lou, I’m Sick and Tired at NJPAC in Newark on December 11 at 4pm. The opera explores the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a southern sharecropper turned civil rights leader who was beaten and jailed for her impassioned fight for the right to vote.
This piece was composed by Richard Thompson with libretto by Cassandra Medley, produced by Trilogy founder and opera star Kevin Maynor, directed by Bianca Laverne Jones and will be conducted by Leslie B. Dunner.
Maynor, the Executive and Artistic Director of Trilogy, spoke with WBGO News Director Doug Doyle about why he wanted to tell the story of the civil rights activist and community organizer.
"Fannie Lou Hamer was more than a civil rights leader, she was our conscience. She spoke to America about the inequality that Black people were receiving in Mississippi and voting was the issue. Voting is the issue today. So, as I saw that coming about, I said this is the person for us to concentrate on. I'm almost frightened to tell you what happened to her. Not only was she beaten in jail, she was beaten outside of jail for just trying to register to vote. And so wasn't the only one to receive that kind of treatment. Her neighbors and friends did the same. She was also raped for trying to vote and for trying to get other people to vote. I just could not resist telling her story."
Hamer, who died in 1977, was the co-founder and vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party, which she represented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. Hamer also organized Mississippi's Freedom Summer along with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She was also a co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus, an organization created to recruit, train, and support women of all races who wish to seek election to government office.
Kevin Maynor says he's really excited about the cast and company for Fannie Lou, I'm Sick and Tired, especially Maria Marbet who plays "Fannie" in the production.
"Maria is a discovery of mine so to speak. I found her to be really a young budding Wagnerian and I know I was told by a management person from Columbia that they had been watching her for some time. When I heard her, I said this a very powerful young voice. She always has wanted to do a major role. I had her in smaller roles. This time she has matured and we're going to bring her forth in a major role. I think you'll be presently surprised."
This latest opera is a very special one for Maynor for many reasons. Not only will the acclaimed singer play Hamer's husband "Pap", but his daughter Kaiel portrays a young "Fannie" and his son Kaelaan has created all the visuals for the production. Veteran opera performers Pam Jones (Fannie's sister) and Geraldine McMillian (Ella) also have important roles in Fannie Lou, I'm Sick and Tired.
Maynor stresses that prior to the show there will be a talk-back session about Fannie Lou Hamer. Newly created artwork about Hamer's life will alsobe on display at NJPAC on December 11.
You can SEE the entire interview with Kevin Maynor here.
