NORFOLK, Va. — Black History Month is right around the corner, and the Virginia Opera is starting celebrations strong by amplifying Black voices. Damien Geter's "Cotton" is featured in this year's Pride in Black Voices showcase.
Cotton is a performance that combines music and poetry, inspired by artist John Dowell's photography of the same name. Eight nationally-renowned African-American poets wrote pieces in response to Dowell's work. The visuals and spoken word are brought together with music composed by Geter to create the performance presented by the Virginia Opera.
"Cotton" began as Dowell's decade-long exploration of African American life and an ancestral journey through the lens of the cotton industry. His work inspired other artists of different mediums, and now invites audiences to examine their own histories.
The Virginia Opera is dedicated to accessibility in the arts. As part of that mission, all performances of Cotton are free and open to the public, but reservations are required.
To secure your seat for this unforgettable experience, reserve your spot by following the links to the following Norfolk venues:
St. Mary's Basilica on January 30 at 7 p.m.
Chandler Recital Hall at ODU on January 31 at 7 p.m.