Frederick Douglass Comes to Hudson Hall
Anthony Knight Jr. Combines Negro Spirituals with Douglass' Text
By: Susan Hall - Oct 25, 2024
Hudson Hall in the Hudson Hall Opera House will present No Cowards in Our Band, an intertwined stage piece that combines nine spirituals with the reciting of original text by Frederick Douglass. In this drama, an aging and contemplative Frederick Douglass (1818-1895). considers the social, economic, and political ramifications of slavery and the Civil War and their impact on the future of the United States.
In conversation with Anthony Knight, Jr., who conceived this work, he pointed out that we live today with the consequences of the Civil War and particularly the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution. It is his intention to bring the past forward in the passionate oratory of Douglass, portrayed here by Masud Olfani.
Mr. Knight has selected spirituals which reflect the journey Frederick Douglass took. They range from Balm in Gilead to I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired and finally, Hallelujah. A trio of opera singers sing. Nia Drummond is an electrifying soprano. Edward Washington II of the Metropolitan Opera and bass Greogory Sheppard join her. GRAMMY-nominated jazz artist Orrin Evans accompanies on piano. Hudson-Valley-based Michael Hofmann directs.
Mr. Knight reports that the Negro spirituals are the core of the work, intimately connecting words and music.
Memorably on Monday, July 5, 1852, Frederick Douglass gave a speech, his most famous public oraition. at the Ladies of the Rochester Anti-Slavery Sewing Society. Rather than a celebration of the Independence Day holiday, Douglass asked an obvious, simple and damning question: What, to the slave, is the Fourth of July?
Mr. Knight argues that the Civil War is another matter. In this lively and moving presentation, we find out why.
Playing at Hudson Hall in Hudson, New York on November 2 at 7pm. Tickets here.