RACISM: OPERA’S UNLISTED CAST MEMBER

Abstract

Abstract Interaction among the human population has long been, and will remain, a major barometer for determining the outcome of many affairs of life. Current world events have again made race, racism, and race relationships an intricate part of daily journalism. Each of the operas identified in this study is firmly established in the tradition of European lyric theatre performance. Accordingly, each score is frequently produced in opera houses throughout the world. Moreover, the scores have been recorded extensively by major performing artists. The composers of these works are held in very high esteem by all who are identified with the arts. These operas have survived through, and thrived upon, many different philosophies and concepts of production. To examine in detail a complete study of these truths in relation to the operas brought forth in this discussion is beyond the scope of this essay. The thrust here is to allow five Black male operatic characters to take centre stage and expound, with some analysis and detail, upon their stories.