Editor’s Note: For more on the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth, read Christian Detres’ companion essay HERE.
This has been an inspirational season for Richmond’s homegrown theatre. We are following up the sold-out run of Witchduck with the mid-project musical exhibition of Truth, a musical enshrining the story of the inimitable Sojourner Truth. This show, titled Songs of Truth: The Awakening, follows the unveiling of the project at the sold-out, two-night run at Revelér last November. This version debuts many of the musical numbers, while the “book”, or spoken script, is finalized.
Desiree Roots, a beloved Richmond stage diva, will be playing Sojourner, accompanied by the cast, in concert form, at the Hippodrome Theatre on June 20th. This is a rare opportunity to peek backstage and watch as a feature production finds its heart and blossoms into something truly original and grand.
Finding heart is very much a construct central to the show. Songwriter and composer Keni Fine is joined by Broadway star, choreographer, and director Tanya Birl-Torres in finding the truths beyond the myth of one of America’s Founding Mothers. Keni came to this project via reflection on his own relationships with the women in his life as much as the history of this icon.
Tanya wants young black people to know themselves. Specifically, black women. To know their worth. To see themselves without the distortions of hate and condescension occluding their success. She understands, like many of us, it has been the curious affliction of the black woman, and her alone, to be relegated to the bottom rung of opportunity. It is with powerful determination and sensitivity that Tanya champions their cause.
They would both reflect on the fact that it is a dangerous time in our country. We are a generation deep into the rising cacophony of recidivism, of shackles applied rather than shackles broken. Our ship must be turned, or the rocks will have us. We need to remind ourselves and our children that hope isn’t just a cool Obama poster. It was our birthright as Americans. This country has never been even close to perfect, but it often limps in the right direction when we make it do so. It was built on the hope that devils will never outlast us. They will win some battles, sure. But they will always be left in the trash bin of history as pathetic villains in the end.
I could have written more about the beautiful conversation Keni, Tanya, and I had at their rehearsal space, but I found that everything we touched on was everything this extraordinary woman had already said and lived. So, I hope, with their forbearance, that I let Sojourner Truth’s truth be the one that hits the stage as well as this page.
On June 20th, we get to see Songs of Truth mature and watch Desiree Roots channel Isabella Baumfree ala Sojourner Truth, in all of her glory at the Hippodrome Theatre. This has been her story in words. Go experience it the way she would have preferred, lifted in song.
Tickets can be found HERE
Photos by Peter McElhinney from Revelér last November
Read the companion essay on Sojourner Truth HERE
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