Based on a true Houston story from the 1840s, What Wings They Were: The Case of Emeline tells the story of Emeline, a young biracial woman who successfully sued the man who was unlawfully holding her and her two children as slaves and won the case - thus securing their freedom. Peter Gray, the young lawyer who represented Emeline, went on to found what is now known as the Baker Botts law firm.
This amazing tale of courage and justice, recently discovered in the court archives by State District Judge Mark Davidson, has been transformed into an original 40-minute English-language chamber opera by Houston-based composer John L. Cornelius II and librettist Janine Joseph. The story will be brought to life by a talented cast of local artists under the direction of Eileen Morris.
HGO will present three free public performances: Two at the Ensemble Theatre on April 30 and one at the DeLuxe Theater on May 1.
Based on a true Houston story from the 1840s, What Wings They Were: The Case of Emeline tells the story of Emeline, a young biracial woman who successfully sued the man who was unlawfully holding her and her two children as slaves and won the case - thus securing their freedom. Peter Gray, the young lawyer who represented Emeline, went on to found what is now known as the Baker Botts law firm.
This amazing tale of courage and justice, recently discovered in the court archives by State District Judge Mark Davidson, has been transformed into an original 40-minute English-language chamber opera by Houston-based composer John L. Cornelius II and librettist Janine Joseph. The story will be brought to life by a talented cast of local artists under the direction of Eileen Morris.
HGO will present three free public performances: Two at the Ensemble Theatre on April 30 and one at the DeLuxe Theater on May 1.
Based on a true Houston story from the 1840s, What Wings They Were: The Case of Emeline tells the story of Emeline, a young biracial woman who successfully sued the man who was unlawfully holding her and her two children as slaves and won the case - thus securing their freedom. Peter Gray, the young lawyer who represented Emeline, went on to found what is now known as the Baker Botts law firm.
This amazing tale of courage and justice, recently discovered in the court archives by State District Judge Mark Davidson, has been transformed into an original 40-minute English-language chamber opera by Houston-based composer John L. Cornelius II and librettist Janine Joseph. The story will be brought to life by a talented cast of local artists under the direction of Eileen Morris.
HGO will present three free public performances: Two at the Ensemble Theatre on April 30 and one at the DeLuxe Theater on May 1.