Event—Public Programming

Jasmine Barnes' "She Who Dared"

—Close-Up with Chicago Opera Theater

Join us for a discussion, with musical selections, of the world premiere of this compelling, richly melodic new opera, which shines a spotlight on the women who challenged segregation before and alongside Rosa Parks.

This program will be held in-person at the Newberry. Please register below.

Everyone has heard of Rosa Parks, but she wasn’t the first to refuse to move. The opera She Who Dared recenters the spotlight on the courageous women who helped desegregate the Montgomery bus system in the 1950s. These Civil Rights pioneers exemplify the quiet struggle for justice that has often gone unknown—further amplifying the effects of the historic case of Browder v. Gayle, which ended legal racial segregation on public transportation. While often riotous and sometimes hilarious, these women demonstrate how everyday people have the power to challenge systems around them and effect tangible change—if only they dare.

Join us for a discussion of Chicago Opera Theater’s upcoming production of She Who Dares, and COT singers will perform excerpts to illustrate points of the conversation.

A wine reception will begin at 5:30 pm. Also be sure to arrive early and register for the raffle where you can win two tickets to the opening night of She Who Dares!

Chicago Opera Theater’s production of She Who Dared will run June 3, 6, and 8 at the Studebaker Theater, conducted by Michael Ellis Ingram and directed by Timothy Douglas. 

Cost and Registration

This program is free and open to all. Advance registration required.

Registration opens April 1.

Register Here

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Past Public Programs

Check out video recordings of past Newberry public programs on our YouTube channel.

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