2024
RACE
the opera
"RACE" CHRONICLES THE JOURNEY OF DOLPHUS STROUD BLAZING A PATH FOR BLACK ATHLETES AND SCHOLARS FROM COLORADO SPRINGS TO BOSTON.
ABOUT
RACE is an Opera inspired by the life story of Kelley Dolphus Stroud, a Colorado Springs resident, and an American of African, Native, and European descent, who rose to be a star athlete projected to win the 5k Olympics trial in 1928. His story, exhibiting excellence, uniquely stunning achievement, love, and determination, starts when he is denied funding to travel from Colorado Springs to Boston for the Olympic trial.
DETERMINED to make it to the starting line, Stroud hitchhikes 2,000 miles across defacto segregated America. Through visions and memories he corresponds with his mystical Aunt Jennie, pragmatic sister, Effie, and competitive brother, tandy. As he recounts his journey, their voices become his counterpoint and strength.
CREATED AND CONCEIVED BY
CONTACT US
Race the opera is a project of the International Brazilian Opera Company developed in partnership with the Stroud Family. We've asked you to visit this page because you may be capable of assisting in the commission, donation, and sponsorship for this significant American story. Let's start a conversation to advance American opera with diverse representation. With your help, the opera will be premiered in Fall 2024, Colorado Springs.
TEAM
IDRIS GOODWIN
CO-LIBRETTIST
Idris Goodwin is a multiple award-winning playwright, breakbeat poet, content creator and arts champion. A 2021 United States Artist Fellow, Goodwin is recognized as a culture bearer who celebrates community values and cultivates histories with care. Idris is the author of over 60 original plays ranging from his Hip Hop inspired breakbeat series to historical dramas to works for young audiences. Goodwin’s created original content for and/or appeared on Nickelodeon, HBO Def Poetry, Sesame Street, NPR, BBC Radio, and the Discovery Channel.
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ASHLEY CORNELIUS
CO-LIBRETTIST
Ashley Cornelius is the Pikes Peak Region Poet
Laureate based in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
She is a nationally recognized and award-winning
spoken-word poet, facilitator, and keynote
speaker. Her poetry reflects her intersectionality as a Black woman and works towards art equity. Ashley Cornelius is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) and has a master’s in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver. Ashley received the Bee an Arts Champion Award from the Bee Vradenburg Foundation. She is a 2021 Colorado Springs Business Journal Rising Star. She is the 2019 gold winner of the Colorado Springs Independent Best of Artist Category. She competed at the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2018. She is a two-time Tedx speaker.
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FRANK SHINES
DRAMATURG LEAD
Stroud family descendant, will lead the family,
with the protagonists' children, Juanita (Stroud)
Martin), Connie (Stroud) Loury in gathering
stories and guide the authentic mood of the work.
Frank Shines is an air-force veteran, and
former ibm principle.
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JOÃO MACDOWELL
COMPOSITION MENTOR
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Artistic Director of IBOC and composer,
JoÃo MacDowell will provide structural and
compositional mentorship. In particular
through his praxis of polyculturalism
and polyharmony.
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ATHENA AZEVEDO
VISUAL DIRECTOR
award-winning creative director, photographer,
and, iboc executive director, Athena Azevedo,
will oversee the team, visual concept,
and development of the new work.
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C.R. MORGAN
EDITOR
A founding member and Secretary of the IBOC Board, C.R. MORGAN has been a professional writer and editor for over ten years. She has worked at some of the world’s most prestigious publishing houses including HarperCollins and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt where she was privileged to work with some of the world’s most renowned authors including Umberto Eco, Jose Saramago, Alice Walker, and others. She is a graduate of Oberlin College and a lifelong classical music enthusiast.
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