New York Times Feature Article on Tania León’s New Work
October 2, 2017
Tania León
Inspired by the celebrated story of Civil Rights lore, when nine African-American teenagers integrated Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas, in 1957, shielded from an angry mob that hurled racist taunts and a recalcitrant governor's defiance by a military escort, Tania León's new opera, tentatively titled The Little Rock Nine, was previewed at the University of Central Arkansas. León had originally asked Henry Louis Gates to write the libretto but, when other commitments intervened, her friend suggested Thulani Davis, the librettist for Anthony Davis' operas X and Armistad, for the task. Today's New York Times published a feature article on the front page of the Arts Section, which recounts the genesis of the work, its historical significance, and its eloquent voice as a counterpoint to the current national dialogue. Titled "An Aria for the Little Rock Nine," the full article can be viewed here.
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