The powerful new American opera by composer Richard Danielpour, with a libretto by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and starring Denyce Graves and Tracie Luck, received its Chicago premiere November 1-9, 2008 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

Based on the true story of a fugitive slave who chooses death for herself and children rather than a return to slavery, Margaret Garner is a heart-wrenching lesson in history and humanity; and a grim reminder of the desperate plight of many who lived in the antebellum South, that defining American epoch.

The Institute is proud to present in partnership with the Chicago Humanities Festival, Auditorium Theatre, and Roosevelt University, this opportunity to hear the opera’s creators discuss the genesis and development of this much-heralded production, which has previously visited Detroit, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. Panelists include Richard Danielpour, composer; Kenny Leon, director; Stefan Lano, conductor; and Tracie Luck, starring role as “Margaret Garner” on Nov Nov 6, 8-9. Moderated by David DiChiera, general director of Michigan Opera Theatre, which co-commissioned the work and is co-producing this Chicago presentation.

Recorded Sunday, November 02, 2008 at Roosevelt University-Congress Lounge.