UNMC is sponsoring the world premiere of “Wakonda’s Dream,” an Opera Omaha presentation at the Orpheum Theater on March 7, 9 and 11.
“Wakonda’s Dream” focuses on a modern-day American Indian family and how it was affected physically, emotionally and spiritually by events that occurred in Nebraska in 1877 and 1879 concerning the legendary American Indian figure, Chief Standing Bear.
Composer Anthony Davis and poet Yusef Komunyakaa created the opera. Davis previously composed music for “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X,” “Tanya” and “Amistad.” Komunyakaa won the 1994 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his book, “Neon Vernacular: New and Selected Poems.”
“Helping unveil work done by such accomplished artists is incredibly exciting,” said vice chancellor for business and finance Don Leuenberger, who helped with the medical center’s sponsorship of the opera. “It’s an honor for UNMC to be associated with this wonderful production.”
The mother in the story, Delores, cherishes her American Indian heritage while her husband, Justin, tries to reject it. Their son, Jason, has visions of Standing Bear, who was detained along with 13 fellow members of his tribe for coming back to Nebraska in 1877 after being sent to Oklahoma’s “Indian Territory.”
The judge in the court case that followed Standing Bear’s detainment ruled that “Indians are human beings under the law” and thus are entitled to all human rights. Standing Bear’s detainment was ruled unlawful. The case was a landmark moment for American Indian civil rights.
In the opera, Justin struggles to accept his heritage. Jason’s dream meetings with Standing Bear focus on Justin’s struggles, which eventually turn tragic before leading to redemption.
“The opera paints a powerful picture of the internal and external struggles of those who face discrimination,” said vice chancellor for academic affairs Rubens Pamies, M.D., who also was involved in the sponsorship. “When talented people such as Anthony and Yusef are inspired by such a powerful theme, it’s destined to make for wonderful art.”
Employees of UNMC and UNMC Physicians can get discounted tickets to “Wakonda’s Dream.” Click here to see a brochure with prices and an order form. Orders must be placed by March 2 to get the discount.
Several related events will be held leading up to the March 7 premiere including:
- Thursday, Feb. 13 — 7:30 p.m. Anthony Davis will conduct a concert performance titled “Restless Dream: An Evening of Music by Anthony Davis” at Omaha’s Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at 113 N. 18th St. The performance will include scenes from “Wakonda’s Dream” as well as selection’s from Davis’ other works;
- Sunday, Feb. 18 — 3 p.m. The “Wakonda’s Dream Poetry Workshop” will be held at Lincoln’s Bess Dodson Walt Library at 6701 S. 14th St.;
- Thursday, Feb. 22 — Noon, Hanay Geiogamah, artistic director of the American Indian Dance Theater, will present “Ceremony and Ritual in Theater” at Creighton University’s Lied Education Center for the Arts;
- Sunday, Feb. 25 — 3 p.m., Don Doll, a photographer who has taken award-winning images of American Indians, will present “American Indian Visions” at the Milton R. Abrahams Library at 5111 N. 90th St. in Omaha;
- Some performers from “Wakonda’s Dream” will meet with the public and perform parts of the opera on Thursday, Feb. 27 at noon at Omaha’s Westroads Mall; on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.; and on Saturday, March 3 at Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.;
- Sunday, March 4 — 2 p.m. The final event of the “Wakonda’s Dream Poetry Competition” — a contest that started in December and features poems about dreams — will be held at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Strauss Performing Arts Center; and
- Thursday, March 6 — 6:30 p.m. Davis, Komunyakaa and the stage team will speak about the creative process behind “Wakonda’s Dream” at a panel discussion at Omaha’s Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St.