The Place
Commissioned by Lyric Opera of the North
Music by Maria Thompson Corley
Libretto by Sandra Oyinloye
The last couple of years has shed a great deal of light on the racial issues that plague our society. We found ourselves in a time where the past meets the present, and we are forced to see that the path before us is not as it should be. The Place highlights the togetherness of getting out of what often feels like a loop for many. ‘The Place’ is a story of overcoming. Nia, Enitan, and Olive find themselves in a paradoxical space and go through the journey of self-discovery. Navigating unpredictable time and social conditions, they will have to discover what it takes to survive such a space. The Place is a story that emphasizes the heroic act of existing while passing strength, encouragement, healing, and stories to the next generation.
Cast
Olive: Marquita Lister
Nia: Mikalia Bradberry
Enitan: James Dargan
Ensemble
Cello: Betsy Husby
Saxophone: Greg Kehl Moore
Marimba, Vibraphone, Percussion: Henry Eichman
Creative Team
Music by Maria Thompson Corley
Libretto by Sandra Oyinloye
Director: Atlese Robinson
Videographer: Daniel Oyinloye / DanSan Creatives
Costumer/Stylist: Ora Jewell-Busche
Audio Engineer: Bill Munson
Orchestra Recording Engineer: Don Schraufnagel
Project Coordinator, LOON: Kailyn Spencer
Producers: Sarah Lawrence and Calland Metts
Film Crew: Jacques Jackson, Mela Nguyen, Levi Staine
Title Photo from Danielle Thralow
Origin Story
The DOC’s Matt Boresi talks with the team about the creation of “The Place” - composer Maria Thompson Corley, librettist Sandra Oyinloye, director Atlese Robinson, and soprano Marquita Lister.