Performance and Anthony Davis’s "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X" (with special guest Davóne Tines)

We welcome everyone to our second event for 2021/22 on Anthony Davis’s opera X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X (with libretto by Thulani Davis). First premiered in 1985, X is receiving a rare performance at the Michigan Opera Theatre in May 2022. Our series offers various perspectives in order to help everyone appreciate the breadth and depth of this important work.

Our second event of this series focuses on performance and includes special guest Davóne Tines, who will play Malcolm X in Michigan Opera Theatre’s upcoming production. The panelists will discuss role preparation, the opera’s historical and contemporary resonances, and music analysis. We will also share our growing list of resources related to the opera for further reading and research. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas from the presentations.

Presenters:

Davóne Tines (special guest): Bass-baritone and Malcolm X for the Michigan Opera Theatre’s production of "X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X"

Naomi André: Professor in Women’s Studies, the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, and the Residential College Arts and Ideas in the Humanities program at the University of Michigan

Marc Hannaford: Assistant Professor of Music Theory at the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at the University of Michigan

Jason Imbesi: Librarian for Music, Theatre and Dance at the University of Michigan

Louise Toppin: Professor of Music, Voice at the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at the University of Michigan