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Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

Arts & Culture

The Fox and the Cookie World Premiere Opera

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Shared by Cherry Duke, @utepopera
Director of Opera
Professor of Practice

Opera UTEP has commissioned a new opera, based on Aesop’s Fables, which will be premiered March 27 and 28, 2023 in Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The words and music are by
acclaimed Black female composer Maria Thompson Corley. Dr. Corley will visit UTEP for the premiere and will also participate in several on-campus discussions and events open to the public.

In the 30-minute musical drama (called, THE FOX AND THE COOKIE), Grandma and Grandpa entertain their grandchild withs four fables of the Fox’s trickery. In the end, the family and the animals whom the fox tricked confront the fox about his behavior, and all enjoy Grandma’s cookies, together. The story explores themes of bullying, kindness, forgiveness, and sharing.
The public is invited for the two premiere performances and are encouraged to bring the young people in their lives!

The opening show on Monday, March 27 will have a reception with the composer and the cast after the performance, and after the Tuesday, March 28 performance, there will be “talkback” when the audience can talk with the composer and the creative team.

For those interested in learning more about the creative process, there will be a “Meet the Composer” session on Monday, March 27 at 12:30 p.m. in Fox Fine Arts Center and a “Lunch and Learn” session on Tuesday, March 28 at 12:00 p.m. in the UTEP Student Union.

The Tuesday event will feature a performance of Dr. Corley’s song, “I Am Not an Angry Black Woman,” performed by music major Abeni Merriweather, followed by a panel discussion of Black, female voices and social movement.

Opera UTEP will also give back to the community by presenting this opera for El Paso area children in special performances at UTEP and in elementary schools following the premiere.

This project is supported by interdisciplinary collaborators at UTEP, including the Center for Community Engagement, Women and Gender Studies, African American Studies, the
Department of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Art, the Department of Music, as well as the The Aaron and Sylvia Wechter Family Excellence Fund.

View this month’s UTEP Enrichment Events

Ailehs Reel Talk

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We welcome Ailehs Tony to BEP Voice as our resident “Reel Talk” host. Ailehs is a retired combat Veteran who says, “I still strive to serve the Veteran community by not only volunteering in the community, but also providing one on one peer support, coordinating peer support groups, and assisting with community resources.

For self-care, one of things I enjoy doing is going to the movies or watching new TV shows. There is just something about getting lost in the show you are watching, and it’s a nice break from reality.”

TheBEGroup: Auditions for Black History Month Play

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THE COLORED MUSEUM – AUDITIONS
Show Dates:
February 4th & 11th – NMSU University Arts Museum in Las Cruces, NM
February 18th & 25th – UTEP Rubin Center for the Visual Arts in El Paso, TX
A 1986 play written by George C. Wolfe. Serving as an elaborate satire of the prominent themes and identities of African-American culture. The play is set in a fictional museum were iconic African-American figures are kept for public consumption.
Non-union
5 Roles: All Black Cast
Man – 20s to 30s, Tall Model (Movement involved)
Woman – 20s to 30s, Tall Model (Movement involved)
LaLa LaMazing Grace – 30s to 40s, Female, glamourous night club singer with a fake french accent and a secret past
Ms. Roj – 30s to 40s, Transgender woman with a powerful snap
Topsy Washington – 30s, Female, loves parties, first on the dance floor (Movement involved)
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
For more info email: thebegroup@outlook.com