Norfolk, VA – “Write it down, write it down, record, recount, chronical… “. I think that is the definition of history, all things written down. Those words also kicked off the performance of one of the most inspiring, emotional, and powerful opera pieces I have seen, that being “Sanctuary Road“, composed by Paul Moravec with the libretto (storyline in lyrics for those who are not familiar with opera) by Mark Campbell. The Virginia premiere of this masterpiece took place at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, VA on January 26, 2024 and was performed by Virginia Opera, directed byKimille Howard with musical support by Virginia Symphony Orchestra conducted by Everett McCorvey. Let me write it down…
The opera is a powerful story based on the writings of Underground Railroad conductor, William Still. As an abolitionist, working as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery, he served as a conductor and aided in the escape of at least 649 slaves (have seen it to be estimated to be over 800). Write it down he did, as he chronicled the journeys and fate of many he helped. His records were immaculate, but could have been lost as he hid them to keep them out of the hands of the Confederacy during the Civil War. After the war, he recovered his words from their hiding place in the loft of a building in the Lebanon Cemetery in Philadelphia. At the urging of his children, he wrote it down in a book, “The Underground Railroad, A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &C” (“The Underground Railroad“) which told the stories of over 800 freedom seekers. “Sanctuary Road” tells the story of seven who found freedom with the aid of Still.
The night opens with the masses seated behind the desk of William Still as he writes it down. Damien Geter, himself a composer brought the stoic Still to life throughout the evening as his passion for the tales of freedom was heard in his voice.
As he writes, with four of the characters at his side, we see the masses in the background in a state of unrest, as escaped slaves are hunted, some captured and returned, others losing their lives in their effort to find freedom. One could not help feeling some discomfort reading the headlines, the wanted posters, and the rewards offered for those whose only sin was being born black and wanting to be free.
The first story is that of Ellen Craft (Tesia Kwarteng) who escaped from Macon, GA in 1848. She was able to escape by disguising as an elderly, sickly man with her husband, William, acting as her servant. Tesia conveyed the emotion well, the deception, story, and the thrill of evading the enslavers was well done.
Wesley Harris (Terrence Chin-Loy) who escaped Martinsburg, VA in 1853 was next up. The Harris tale appeared a few times during the performance as there were many tales to tell, from the escape, the farmer who betrayed them and was recaptured before he was able to escape again. With Chin-Loy’s voice, body language, and expressions, it was hard not to imagine the terror he must have felt.
Sanctuary Road Gallery 1
One thing I found profound was the subtle but appropriate humor / sarcasm weaved into the production. This was very apparent several times, but likely the next story, that of Henry “Box” Brown (Adam Richardson) who had escaped from Richmond, VA in 1849, was the most apparent. His escape was unique (and explains the nickname) as he put himself in a box, with the words, “This Side UP With Care” showing the preferred orientation of the crate during shipment. He was more literate than those who were delivering the package. Needless to say, the ride was quite uncomfortable. Richardson, with a lot of sarcastic humor, took us on the journey, “if only these fools could read!”
Harris again appears, as his most treacherous journey continues. Of all the characters, Harris showed the most determination and endured the most obstacles.
Speaking of clever deception and wit, the next story revolved around Harriet Eglan (Laquita Mitchell) and Charlotte Giles (Tesia Kwarteng). Escaping from Baltimore in 1856, they were dressed as mourners for their dearest aunt. Again, with a little humor, they were even able to evade their owner who did not recognize them with their mourning attire when they answered his questions when he boarded the train to search for them. As they made their way to Philadelphia they asked with a big smile (they fooled them all), “How many nose blows to Philadelphia?”
At this point the story takes an interesting and monumental twist as we find the William Still assisted his long lost brother, Peter (Adam Richardson) escape. They learned of their relationship and an emotional Peter, who had yearned to discover the fate of his parents, was told his mother was still alive. On a sad note, Peter tells William that his other brother had died a slave several years before.
Crossing the river, Wesley finally makes it to freedom. Eventually making it to Canada where he is surrounded by supporters. He most certainly had the most treacherous trip and Chin-Loy took us for the ride. It was very emotional.
The last harrowing story of the night was that of Clarissa Davis (Laquita Mitchell) who escaped Portsmouth, VA in 1854. Her first attempted escape failed as she was separated from her brothers, sending her into hiding. In her mind, heavy rain was her only hope and no one would look for her on the streets while dodging the drops. Her wish came true. With a torrential curtain of rain and dressed as a man, she was able to board a ship where she was eventually reunited with her brothers. Laquita nailed the angst of hiding, the relief of rain, and joy of freedom.
With the start of the war, Still hid his notes to protect the stories of those who he had encountered from the Confederacy. The battles ensued on the stage, Union over Confederacy, and the war was won… and they were free.
I was looking for the words to describe the overall experience throughout the entire performance and no words could really do the power justice. Then it came to me with the fitting end, I did not have to think of any words, they were delivered from the rooftops. The grand finale of the hour long (short in opera terms) was a full cast operatic celebration with a rising sun behind them. The final words brought a lump to my throat and tears to the eyes of many in the sold out opera house… “Shout from every rooftop as loud as can be…. FREE“.
Sanctuary Road Gallery 2
Additional notes
Another thing that made this a special performance was the before and after gatherings. Before the performance we were treated to a discussion on the history behind the performance.
Norfolk – Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander
Fairfax – Dr. Spencer Crew
Richmond – Ana Edwards
After the show, the cast had a facilitated Q and A session to talk about the impact their roles had on them.
The music can be heard here.
Cast
Damien Geter (Bass Baritone): William Still
Laquita Mitchell (Soprano): Clarissa Davis (escaped from Portsmouth, VA) & Harriet Eglan
Tesia Kwarteng (Mezzo-Soprano): Ellen Craft & Charlotte Giles
Terrence Chin-Loy (Tenor): Wesley Harris
Adam Richardson (Baritone): Henry “Box” Brown (escaped from Richmond, VA) & Peter Still
Music by Paul Moravec, Libretto by Mark Campbell, Based on the writings of William Still, a conductor for the Underground Railroad
Conducted by Everett McCorvey and Directed by Kimille Howard
The orchestra – Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Read Program
To learn more about the topics covered in Sanctuary Road, check out this reading list.
Performance Date: January 26, 2024
