By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to the AFRO
In the realm of operatic innovation, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Anthony Davis stands as a trailblazer. His groundbreaking opera, “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X,” which initially premiered in 1986, has finally found its place on the illustrious stage of the Metropolitan Opera. This production lands Davis as only the second Black composer to have their work presented by the premier opera house.
The Met’s latest staging, under the direction of Tony-nominated Robert O’Hara, takes a daring leap, envisioning Malcolm X as an ordinary man whose story transcends the constraints of time and space. A stellar cast, featuring the remarkable baritone Will Liverman as Malcolm X, soprano Leah Hawkins as his mother Louise, mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis as his sister Ella, bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as his brother Reginald, and tenor Victor Ryan Robertson as Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad, brings the operatic retelling to vivid life.
Davis revealed that a significant portion of the opera’s backstory originates from a rather unconventional source, as the play infuses an Afro-futuristic twist.. “A lot of the backstory of the opera and Malcolm’s life comes from a spaceship,” Davis said. He elaborated, “We initially see Malcolm like an everyman, and the spaceship projects all the information and details of Malcolm’s life.”
Distinguishing this production from the original 1986 rendition, Davis emphasized the shift from spare and stark aesthetics to an Afrofuturistic perspective. “It’s about Malcolm’s legacy, not just his past story but what his legacy means to us today and in the future. That’s really what’s remarkable about this production,” he said.
One standout element for Davis was the incorporation of dance, masterfully choreographed by Ricky Tripp. The 12 dancers play a crucial role in interpreting the psychological torment and inner thoughts of the characters, especially during intense moments like the riots in Boston and Malcolm’s pilgrimage to Mecca.
Davis noted the production’s relevance to contemporary issues, such as police brutality, which is seamlessly woven into the narrative.
Malcolm X sits for a portrait in London on Feb. 9, 1965. (AP Photo/Victor Boynton, File)
“The opera is also a lot about Malcolm’s spiritual evolution, his transformation that takes place over each chapter,” Davis reflected, tracing Malcolm’s journey from Malcolm Little to Detroit Redd and ultimately to Malcolm X, concluding with his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz.
As the opera unfolds, audiences can expect a poignant exploration of Malcolm’s spiritual growth and the stark contrast between dynamic dance sequences, like the riots in Boston, and moments of stillness during Malcolm’s pilgrimage in Mecca. Davis hopes the audience will be able to connect emotionally with these contrasting elements and reflect on the broader themes presented in the opera.
For national audiences who plan on attending the performance at a local theater, they are in for an immersive cinematic experience with the HD streaming of the Metropolitan Opera House’s production of “X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X.” The high-definition streaming delivers the powerful narrative of Malcolm X’s life with unparalleled clarity and detail.
Viewers can expect a visual feast as every nuance of the production, from the intricate set designs to the expressive performances, is captured in stunning high definition. The vivid colors, dynamic lighting, and meticulous costumes are showcased with exceptional precision, allowing audiences to feel the energy and authenticity of the live performance.
Davis encourages audiences to “be open to a new kind of artistic expression that has music reflecting history from the 1940s to the 1960s and beyond.”
The HD streaming technology enhances the auditory experience as well, ensuring that every note of the powerful musical score and every nuanced line of dialogue is delivered with crystal-clear precision. The advanced audio quality contributes to a sense of being right in the heart of the performance, creating a connection between the audience and the profound story of Malcolm X.
Whether viewers are seasoned opera enthusiasts or newcomers to the genre, the HD streaming of “X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X” at the Metropolitan Opera House promises a transformative and visually captivating experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of cinema. Audiences will be transported into the heart of this iconic production, immersing themselves in the life and legacy of Malcolm X like never before.
The production’s premiere on Nov. 18 was, indeed, a surreal experience. Angela Bassett hosted the debut, and conducted interviews with the cast, including Davis, during the intermission.
The venue itself added to the transformative experience. Stepping into the Metropolitan Opera House for the first time is like entering a realm where art and grandeur collide. Ascending the regal staircase, adorned with plush red carpeting and golden railings, builds a sense of anticipation and offers a glimpse of what lies ahead. The opulent surroundings, from the glittering chandeliers overhead to the richly decorated walls, evoke a feeling of stepping into a bygone era of elegance.
The vast auditorium stunned with its sheer scale, while the hushed whispers of fellow patrons created an atmosphere of shared excitement. As the lights dim, a collective hush descends, and the curtain rises to reveal a stage bathed in an otherworldly glow of a spaceship.
The orchestra, positioned in the pit below, begins to play, and the sound fills the auditorium with a richness and depth that is unexpected. The overture, a majestic prelude, heightens the sense of anticipation, and palpable energy stirs the air. This energy was heightened by a full cast of African- American artists who took to the stage from beginning to end.
As the performers took the stage in their costumes, true to each era from the 1940s to the 1960s, one is immediately and continuously drawn into the story. The power of their voices resonates through the hall. The elaborate sets, the sweeping melodies, and the dynamic interplay of light and shadow create a visual and auditory feast that sweeps away attendees into the narrative.
As the final notes of the opera reverberate, the entire theater turns blood red as Macolm X is assassinated on stage. The curtain falls, and the applause, thunderous and heartfelt, fills the auditorium.
“X: The Life & Times of Malcolm X,” at the Metropolitan Opera House is truly more than a performance; it’s a journey into a world of beauty, emotion and artistic mastery.
In closing, Davis urged those who plan on attending a showing to expect “new musical expressions and plan to hear something that we’ve never experienced before.”
“X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” runs through Dec. 2 at Metropolitan Opera House. Check your local theaters for showtimes to this invitation into a revolutionary fusion of music, history and futuristic storytelling that promises to leave an indelible mark on the world of opera.
