Smithsonian Institution. Anacostia Community Museum Search this
Extent:
1 Sound recording (audio cassette)
Type:
Archival materials
Sound recordings
Place:
Anacostia (Washington, D.C.)
Washington (D.C.)
United States
Date:
1986
Scope and Contents:
Baritone Charles Williams performed selections from the folk opera 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Five Langston Hughes Songs,' composed by Elsie Siegmeister. In between performances, he spoke about the plot and history of the opera as well as the songs composed by Siegmeister. He also addressed questions, many of which revolved around his study of opera. Williams performed the role of Sportin' Life in the folk opera 'Porgy and Bess' at the Metropolitan Opera for two successive seasons.
Lecture and performance. Sound only. Related to exhibition 'The Renaissance: Black Arts of the Twenties.' Dated 19860710.
Biographical / Historical:
The exhibition - The Renaissance: Black Arts of the Twenties - showcased the evolution and achievements of the Renaissance, which was the explosion of literary, visual, performance, and cinematic creativity generated by black artists between the end of World War I and the early days of the Great Depression. Represented is the creativity of Marian Anderson, Richard Barthe, Countee Cullen, Aaron Douglas, Duke Ellington, Meta Warrick Fuller, Roland Hayes, Zora Neale Hurston, Malvin Gray Johnson, Alain Locke, "Jelly Roll" Morton, Paul Robeson, George Schuyler, and Wallace Thurman, among others. The exhibition, held at the Anacostia Neighborhood Museum, ran from September 1985 - December 1986.
Local Numbers:
ACMA AV001226_B
Series Restrictions:
Use of the materials requires an appointment. Some items are not accessible due to obsolete format and playback machinery restrictions. Please contact the archivist at acmarchives@si.edu.